September 2008 Newsletter No 59

Number 59
September 2008
Avro Tutor
Hawker Hind
Drone
Hawker Hart
Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1
Hawker Hurricane Mk 1
Airspeed Oxford
Miles Magister
Fairey Battles
North American Harvard
“Tally Ho”
News Letter of 609 (WR) Squadron Association
Hawker Typhoon Mk 1 PR-G
Supermarine Spitfire XV1
De Havilland Mosquito NF32
Gloster Meteor F8
De Havilland Vampire FB Mk V
2.
RAF Trophies from the past: only the Hunting Horns whereabouts are known
◄ Mickey Oldenburgh with the Esher Trophy, 1955
▼ F/Lt Pete Bailey and CO S/Ldr Arthur Hudson with Crossed
Hunting Horns Trophy, 1952
Dacre Trophy for best Reg RAF Sqn at Weapon Training ►
The Inspectors Cup 2007-8: How 609 (WR) Squadron won another Trophy
Give us the money! They got it!!! FS Vic Rose and OC S/Ldr Hilary Vincent-Philpot hold the cheque, at least until Cpl John Foster gets his mitts on it as well.
FS Vic Rose hands gives a Heartstart donation to The Children‟s Ward of Darlington‟s Memorial Hospital. The team consists of Vic Rose, Sgt Steve Young and Cpl Greg
Spare, seen with the kids. For training 2800 people in the art of emergency life support, they received the British Heart Foundation‟s Bronze Award.
◄ Mark Williams and Neil Sowerby flank Peter Wilson in the 1 Squadron RAF
Regiment Hangar, as they present a 609 plaque to the OC, S/Ldr Jason
Sutton, after all had returned from Iraq.
Peter drew this for 1 Squadron, to sell in aid of their welfare funds. It is selling
like hot cakes. Expect similar from Peter about.609 in the near future. ▼
3.
Editorial
Another big gap since the last giant issue, so, sorry once again, readers. I must admit that it takes a bit of will
power to sit down and get typing again. I am a two finger typist, with a God-given ability to hit the key next to
the one that I actually want. Whoever invented Spell Check had me in mind.
Sadly, I have four obituaries to write, but, as with all of these, I find pleasure in recording the good deeds and
actions that our late friends performed. It might sound a bit heartless, but I have been to more than one funeral
that was actually good fun! Alright, not all are like that, but some people just leave good memories behind, and
it‟s excellent to meet with friends of the late lamented, whose company you enjoy, and with whom you can
reminisce. It‟s just so annoying that the person whom we are gathered for isn‟t there!
President Sandy Hunter pointed out that an article by Norman Franks, in the May edition of Flypast magazine,
suggested that my old dad was to have been one of AVM Leigh Mallory‟s new generations of Wing Leaders. To
achieve this culmination of his career (ha!), he was included as being one of L-M‟s „Old Boy‟s Network‟, who
were „High on Seniority, but short of fighting experience‟. Cor blimey, but did that get me going! I penned a
reply that met with the approval of Editor Ken Ellis, and he published it in full. I‟ll not reprint it, but, having told
readers what George Darley though of L-M, Bader, Big Wings, Old Boy‟s Networks, and self-aggrandisement
coupled to bloated self importance, I was truly amazed at the response. No life threatening messages – just very
appreciative comments from as far away Canada, the US, the Netherlands, and others in the UK. One lead to a
fascinating account of something that I would never have spent more than a nanosecond over – the importance,
range and reliability of the radios as used by fighters and the ground controllers during the Battle of Britain. You
will find out more in the next issue. Radar was brilliant, all the Sector controllers, and links to the Observer Corp,
brilliant – but without decent radios, the whole thing wasn‟t worth a ball of chalk. Radio communication was
taken as read, but it was immensely critical to the conduct of the Battle. I found it fascinating stuff.
The Esher Trophy
So who won it after 609 did, in 1954? 615 had it for 1953, and Winston Churchill witnessed the award in
September 1954. In due course, Wing Commander Eels of 615 flew up to Church Fenton, escorted by 3 or 4
other Meteors, and duly handed the Trophy over to Tommy Evans, in July 1955. The winners for 1955 were 500
(County of Kent) Squadron, so 609 must have taken the Trophy, with some due ceremony, to wherever 500 were
based (Manston?) at the time. That would have been the summer of 1956, I assume.
Surely some of you lot from those times remember the occasion? Alright, not actually a cause for celebration, but
it would hardly have been sneaked out of the back door, would it now? I asked Jeff Metcalfe if we might still
have it at Leeming. He admitted to one or two unknown trophies being there, but definitely not an Esher Trophy.
As disbandment of the Auxiliaries occurred on 16 January 1957, there can have been no time to assess the
winners for 1956, and obviously nobody to give it to, anyway. Thus 500 must have kept the Trophy in
perpetuity? Unfortunately, I only know of one 500 Sqn Assoc man, but he has died. I have the name and address
of the new Secretary, but, despite sending him letter + SAE, no reply as yet.
Needless to say, it was Brian Waite who found out who had won the Trophy after 609. I‟d rather hoped that
nobody had, as it might have meant that we might have got it back. From wherever it now is! Brian noted that
there is a central repository for Squadron Silver, used when Squadrons disband. Lordy, lordy, but I hope that the
MoD hasn‟t found out about that – they‟ll have the lot melted down to fund the British Floodlit Nude Cheering
Team for the 2012 London Olympics……
609 (WR) Squadron win The Inspectors Cup for 2007-8
The Esher Trophy may be no more, but the Squadron have kept up the tradition of earning accolades for their
performance. This is the citation.
4.
“The Inspectors Cup: Awarded to the RAuxAF unit which has had a notable achievement during the past
year. This year it is awarded to 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force for their
outstanding contribution to the local community. During the past year they have raised over £6,000 for the
Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Squadron has also trained over 1000 people as part of the 609 Heartstart
Team efforts. None of this has been achieved at the expenses of normal activities or contribution to
operations. Indeed their recruiting performance has been at the higher end of the scale compared to their
peers. The Squadron has supported 2, 4 and 5 Force Protection Wing in both operational theatres,
contributing significantly to ceremonial events, run an overseas expedition and returned from the IMM
military skills competition in Germany with two trophies.”
Flt Lt Jeff Metcalfe received the following from Group Captain Gary Bunkell, Inspector, Royal Auxiliary Air
Force:
“I wanted to send my most sincere congratulations to you and your marvellous personnel on winning the
Inspector‟s Cup. Your activities within the local community are so important not only at squadron level but
also from the wider RAuxAF and RAF perspective. They not only bring huge benefit to the recipients, but
also great credit on the Squadron and our Force.
I am also conscious that all of the initiatives that have been put in place are on top of the more routine day to
day activities that are essential to the success of a RAuxAF Squadron. In particular, the commitment to
operations and the considerable effort being applied by you and your people to recruiting.
I sense that 609 personnel have great team spiri,t and their results being achieved across a number of areas
are evidence of this. That of course doesn‟t just happen, and your personal contribution, I know, is
significant. Thank you for all that you and 609 (West Riding) Squadron do for the Royal Air Force.
Please pass on my best wishes to 609 Squadron personnel and I look forward to presenting the trophy soon.”
Jeff also received a letter from Air Commodore Simon Bostock DL, Honorary Air Commodore to 609 (WR)
Squadron:
“It was with enormous pleasure and the greatest pride that I hear from the Inspector, Royal Auxiliary Air
Force, of the award to our Squadron of the Inspector‟s Cup. The citation reads very impressively, and I
would ask you to pass on my congratulations to all members of the Squadron, and in particular to those who
contributed directly to the achievement of this prestigious award. Please do pass on my very best wishes, and
I look forward to seeing you all during your annual camp this coming month.
Once again, my congratulations on this richly deserved recognition of an impressive year of achievement.
Tally Ho!”
On behalf of the great unwashed, that constitute my readership outside the Squadron, I‟ll add my congratulations,
too. Slogging away on a tandem, running through wet wilderness with 50 lbs on your backs, losing useful chest
hair to mad women ladling out hot wax, providing trained personnel for theatre deployment, enduring the heat,
danger and sand of Iraq and Afghanistan, beating cows off as you lie in Scottish hillsides on ATC. The things
you do for fun! Well done, all of you.
Obituaries
Charles George Brazier, 21st Sept 1921 – 30 April 2008
Rhoeta Brazier told Secretary Hugh Mulligan of the sad passing of her husband, Charles. He had not been well
for the last few years. She sent me some photographs, and the appreciation that follows.
5.
„Charlie, the youngest of a family of four, having three older sisters, grew up in the village and attended the
village school. His family originally lived in Glass House Yard which was situated off Water Lane, and later
moved to Drapers Green. He moved to Pale Green (near Haverhill in Essex – Ed) with his father in 1950. The
bungalow where he lived until his death was built in the garden of the house in 1995.
On leaving school, he did a few local jobs including working on a farm which his father managed. His mother
died when he was about 17 and, soon after, he signed up for the RAF Volunteer Reserve. He was called up in
1941, and, after successfully completing an aircraft mechanics course, was posted to Martlesham Heath with 71
Eagle Squadron, which was a volunteer American Squadron. (Founder members of this included Red Tobin,
Andy Mamedoff and Shorty Keogh, all of whom came direct from 609 – Ed ). Here he worked on Spitfires, and
after about eight months came to Debden with them.
In June 1942 he went on an aero engine fitter‟s course in Blackpool. He enjoyed his time there as it was a new
experience for him, for he had not travelled far from the village before joining the RAF. He returned to Debden,
and was expecting to be posted overseas, but that was cancelled. He only discovered in recent years that this was
because the ship carrying the planes he was going to service was sunk on its way to Russia!
In November 1942 he was posted to Manston in Kent with 609 Squadron. Here he serviced Hawker Typhoons
including that of CO Bee Beaumont. (PR-G appeared on the back of the Order of Service –Ed)
A year later he was sent to a radar experimental station at Defford, near Worcester, where he worked on many
different types of aircraft. Unusually, he remained there for three years until he was demobbed in June 1946. It
was only then that he discovered that he had been screened from posting – probably because he was the only
person known at that time to have left the station with a trade proficiency, described as “exceptional”. He was
very proud of this, and thought that, for a country boy with an elementary village school education, he hadn‟t
done too badly!
Charles returned to the village, and, because there was little choice of employment at that time, he tried various
local jobs, including helping to dig the trench for the telephone line from Saffron Walden to Haverhill. In those
days this was dug by hand, and because he was strong and a conscientious worker, he was offered a permanent
job with the company. However, he decided that was not what he really wanted, so he took a course in
agricultural engineering at Letchworth.
In 1950 he joined Blyth and Pawsey at Saffron Walden and remained with them until he retired in 1986. He
specialised in servicing and repairing combine harvesters and his favourite time of year was during harvest when
he was able to repair a broken down machine so the farmer could continue to gather his corn in. [Readers of this
in the UK will appreciate how vital the combine repair man is to farmers – after a month of rain, to have a
breakdown when it dries enough is disaster on top of calamity! – Ed]. He became well known and well respected
in the local farming community and for several years after he retired, farmers would seek his advice. (See the
front of the Order of Service – unusual! Ed)
Charles was interested in sport, and particularly football. He played for the village team at various times, and in
the 1950-51 season helped them to win the Halstead league. In later years, and until shortly before his death, he
followed the fortunes of Arsenal and Ipswich.
He and Rhoeta were married a few days before his 51st birthday, he and wondered what he was letting himself in
for, after being a bachelor for so long! However, they had over 35 happy years together. He loved his garden,
and spent many hours keeping it tidy, and producing vegetables all the year round. Charles and Rhoeta enjoyed
holidays to various parts of this country and also to a few places in Europe. He was particularly fond of going to
Blackpool and Worcester, as they brought back memories of his RAF career. He also went to several 609
Squadron reunions after he discovered its existence a few years ago, often being driven by his friend Edward
Tetlow, a nearby farmer friend, to Yorkshire, or wherever the meeting was being held.
6.
Charlie knew the history of many families and houses in the village. He enjoyed talking to people, and had
strong opinions on many subjects. He was grateful to his family and friends who came to see and chat with him
during his illness, and to Dr. Ridley and the district nurses who visited regularly. Sadly, he had to spend the last
two weeks of his life in hospital, where he was made as comfortable as possible, although his breathlessness
never responded to treatment due to his failing heart.
He will be missed, not only by his family, but by his many friends in the area.‟
Rhoeta informed us that Charles was buried in his 609 blazer and tie. Isn‟t that just splendid? He was always
proud of his time with the Squadron, and was delighted a few years ago to discover that the Squadron
Association existed. The Church was packed with friends and members of the farming community. Rhoeta
offered us Charles‟ collection of books, which include signed copies, especially “To Live Among Heroes”, by
Station MO in 1944, George Armour Bell. Rosemary and I had some coffee and nibbles with Rhoeta, on the way
up to the June Reunion, and gratefully received a box full of books, DVD‟s and a print or two. The best are
retained for the Squadron Room, some were placed in the Raffle, and I am reading three before they go to
Elvington. Thanks, Rhoeta!
…………………………………………………………
Trudi Kerrigan
Trudi was the wife of 809006 Mike Kerrigan, a founder member of 609 (7 back from 809000 Jim Thompson).
Mike was always known as Kerry by his family. He was a great character, though a bit difficult to please at
times! I received many corrections to my ill informed prose, which, as the true gentleman that he was, he would
subsequently apologise for, and put it down to my being a civilian. Couldn‟t argue with that! Trudi I never met,
but she came across a sweet, placid lady, who, aged 85, calmly encompassed the vagaries of the internet, and
emails. I attach the bulk of a letter that she sent to me. I think that it makes a lovely obituary, as it shows us her
nature. Read on.
“Dear David,
Last year when I received the News Letter I meant to write to you to cancel it as I felt that I don't know
anyone anymore.
But I love reading through this latest (it must have taken you weeks to put it all together) and what gave me
great pleasure was to see several photos of Jim Thompson as well as to read about The James Thompson
Trophy. Wonderful man! He came to visit us with his wife in Beaconsfield years ago, when they were staying
with the family in Marlow. We had a lovely sunny afternoon and tea under the shade of the trees. Please tell
him that I haven't forgotten yet and so glad that he can still come to the reunions as 000 (Mike was 006).
I very much enjoy your style of writing. Perhaps you had some remarks from Mike from time to time as his
sense of humour was different and he was always very precise. This is what attracted me when I met him for
the first time (I came from Switzerland to improve my knowledge of the English language). He kept
correcting me, and I decided that I didn't need to have lessons, but I was going to be taken out by Kerry (as
he wanted to be called). That is how it all started! He corrected me right up to the end as I am an awful
learner.
Reading the News Letter made me look into the file which I kept of 609. Many letters and comments and also
photos! But then I think that all the interesting things were sent to Jim Earnshaw for whom he had such
admiration.
It will soon be 4 years since Kerry died so suddenly, and in spite of missing him, I can say that he would be
pleased how I managed to cope so well. Over a year ago I was told that I have liver cancer. But the
medication is excellent and I am without pain at all, in spite of the scans showing increase. So I really
enjoy every good day. My son Peter lives in NZ. He came with his whole family end June, and it was
7.
wonderful. This Christmas he came again, by himself, and with my daughter from Nottingham, we went
together to my other daughter in Cardiff, and it was great to be there together with the lovely
grandchildren (grown up). I have lots of good friends and at 85 I am not complaining, as I can still look
after myself (and others if they stay). But I know that my time is limited, and I just wanted to thank you for
all your work for 609, and to have kept me on the mailing list .
With best wishes
Trudi Kerrigan”
Then I received the following from eldest daughter Jane, this April.
“I have some rather sad news to pass on to you. My mother passed away peacefully in her sleep during a
very short spell in hospital on 12 April 2008. It was only in the last few weeks that she went into a period
of pain and discomfort which she bore with great courage. Prior to that she had lived a very full life, and
often said that last year was one of her best. We are thankful that she was taken from us so quickly in the
end, and spared any further suffering. You may also know that she had a strong Christian faith and was
well prepared and looking forward to meeting her Lord.
She was well prepared in many practical ways, even to the extent of completely rewriting her address book,
and marking the names of all those she wanted notified of her passing. (Oh, but I see dear Mike Kerrigan
behind that! – Ed.) Yours was one of those names. I know she really enjoyed reading about 609
Squadron.”
Trudi‟s comment about her being pleased that I kept her on the mailing list bears out my supposition, in that
widows cannot fail to absorb some of the 609 way of things. Therefore, it would be utterly wrong to remove
them from the mailing list, upon the death of their partner. It does make the Honorary list a bit long, but it‟s well
worth it.
………………………………………………………………
Colonel Aviateur Raymond “Cheval” Lallemant DFC*, Legion D‟Honneur
This is particularly sad, following so closely behind the death of Georges Jaspis. But I believe that Cheval had
not been at all well in recent years. We‟d rather lost touch with him, as he had moved into his daughter‟s house,
and we couldn‟t trace her. But there was no shortage of tributes paid to this great character, and I‟ll try and give
him the send off that he deserves. Oh, and you will notice that his name sometimes ends in a „d‟, and sometimes
a „t‟. A puzzle, though „t‟ seems to dominate.
By Jove, but he was a talker! Cheval could talk for Belgium, as well as a few other countries. I remember a
couple of reunions where he went on for so long that the audience were nodding off. He was restrained at the
unveiling of the 609 Memorial at Waremme in September 2003. Paul Libbrecht had spent hours typing out
Cheval‟s speech, and ordered him to follow it implicitly, as he had a ten minute slot amongst the other
dignitaries. We thought that Paul had cracked it, until suddenly Cheval‟s head rose from the script, and he was
off! Even William de Goat falling over in a gust of wind didn‟t distract him. After 15 minutes, though, he
grinned, and said that he had to sit down now – seconds before someone produced the trusty Webley Service
Revolver, and did the job themselves! Let us see what others said of this super character. Oh, and as per usual,
that little wizard from Lowestoft, Mark Crame, has provided most of this.
„1294845 / 116472 Squadron Leader Raymond Alphonse Irma Francois „Cheval‟ Lallemand, DFC*
Born at Blicquy on 23rd August 1919 Flying Officer Raymond 'Cheval' Lallemand joined the Belgian Air Force
on 4th September 1939, the day after Britain declared war on Germany, with the rank of Corporal – Student
pilot. He had studied Modern Humanities (Lower Grade) at the Royal Athenaeum, Tournai before joining the 3 e
Regiment Chasseurs à Pied on 3rd April 1939. On 13th May 1940 he passed into France with the Ecôle de
Pilotage and was promoted Sergeant Pilot on 26th June.
8.
Having moved through France and Morocco, he travelled by coaster to Gibraltar disguised as a Pole, and then to
England aboard the „Harsion‟. Cheval was taken into the Belgian Forces in Exile after arriving in England on 3rd
July 1940.
On 20th July 1940 he was posted to the RAF Depot at Gloucester, moving to the Depot at St Athan on 15th
August. After attending the Franco-Belge Air Training School (Elementary Flying Training School) at Odiham
in Hampshire from 2nd November 1940, he was posted to No.5 Service Flying Training School at Ternhill in
Shropshire on 15th May 1941. This was followed by a posting to No. 61 Operational Training Unit at Heston,
Middlesex on 20th August 1941. By now a Sergeant pilot in the RAFVR (as of 5th August), Lallemand was
posted to 609 (West Riding) Squadron on 30th September 1941, at Biggin Hill. He joined A Flight under F/Lt
Francois de Spirelet. (By now, someone had nicknamed him Horse, or rather “Cheval”, but I have no idea when
or why – his subsequent books give no clue - Ed)
His commission as a Pilot Officer came through on 8th January 1942. He was promoted to Flying Officer on 1st
October 1942. His first victory came at 14:20 hours on 19th December 1942 off Deal in Kent when he destroyed
the Focke-Wulf Fw190A-4 of Oberleutnant Muller of 10./JG26 while flying Typhoon R7855 PR-D. He followed
this at 09:15 on 20th January 1943, in the same aircraft, when he destroyed the Focke Wulf Fw190 A-4 off
Dungeness, killing Leutnant Kummerling of 8./JG26. On 14th February 1943 at 11:55 he destroyed the Fw190A4‟s of Unteroffizier Armbruster, and 5 minutes later that of Leutnant Deuerling, and was credited with probably
destroying another – which turned out to be the Fw190A-4 of Unteroffizier Bischoff, all three pilots coming from
III./JG26, and all of whom were killed. This makes Lallemand the first of the Typhoon „Aces‟ although he had to
wait for his officially recognized fifth aircraft.
On 9th March 1943 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, his citation reading: “In January 1943 this
officer intercepted enemy raiders causing them to jettison their bombs. He then succeeded in destroying one of
the aircraft. In February 1943 he led his section against a strong force of enemy fighters and during the ensuing
combat Flying Officer Lallemand destroyed two of the enemy. He has destroyed at least four enemy aircraft.”
Lallemand was subsequently posted to the Napier engine factory (RAF Station Luton) for six months as a
production test pilot on 24th June 1943, the day after promotion to Acting Flight Lieutenant. He was posted to
No. 197 Squadron on the first day of 1944 as a Flying Officer, becoming Flight Lieutenant on the 8 th and
remained with 197 Squadron until 14th February, when he was posted to No. 198 Squadron as a flight
commander. On 21st January he destroyed a Messerschmitt 210, which his Wing Leader would not allow him to
claim, as he had asked for a posting to 198 Squadron. Locating the wreckage following the invasion, he was able
to confirm the victory. On 12th February 1944 he destroyed a Potez 63 on the ground, both while flying with
198. On the 26th he shared with George Hardy (also ex-609 Squadron) in shooting down Bf110 G-4 G9+9KY
(W/Nmr 740136) of IV./NJG1 (54 Abschusse) which was searching for a downed colleague 5 miles northwest of
Dunkirk, killing night fighter ace and Knights Cross holder Oberfeldwebel Heinz Vinke and his crew of
Unteroffizier‟s Rudolf Dunger and Rudolf Walter. Vincke had shot down 54 Allied aircraft by then, all at night.
On 14th August 1944 he was promoted to Acting Squadron Leader and returned to 609 Squadron - this time as
its Commanding Officer, following the previous Belgian CO, Manu Geerts. Cheval led the unit on ground-attack
sorties with rocket projectiles during the invasion. One month later, on 14th September 1944 he was hit by Flak
over Holland while flying Typhoon PD505 while flying an armed reconnaissance. Five barges were attacked
between Rotterdam and the Schelde and armoured vehicles were also attacked between Nijmegen and Arnhem.
Cheval was hit during the last attack and he set course for Evere to make an emergency landing. Diverted due to
heavy air traffic, he managed to nurse it back to B.53 Merville where he carried out a wheels-up landing while
already on fire and was seriously burned. Initially rushed to No.53 Military Field Hospital by Doctor Jean
Degrand, he moved to the RAF hospital at Halton, Buckinghamshire on 1st October 1944, spending several
months in hospital receiving plastic surgery to his hands.
9.
After becoming a Flight Lieutenant again on 16th January 1945, he received the Bar to his Distinguished Flying
Cross on the 18th. His citation read: “Flight Lieutenant Lallemand is an extremely efficient and reliable flight
commander, who has rendered much valuable service and inflicted severe damage to the enemy. Since being
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross he has performed most varied flying and, in addition to being
responsible for the destruction of a large number of tanks, armoured cars and railway trucks, he has destroyed 3
enemy ships and at least 1 enemy aircraft. Both in the air and on the ground Flight Lieutenant Lallemand has
displayed outstanding courage and initiative and has been a source of inspiration to those under his command.”
He was posted to command No. 349 (Belgium) Squadron on Spitfires from 1st March, again as Acting Squadron
Leader, leading this unit for the last few weeks of hostilities until 1st October 1945, when he was posted to No.1
PHU, then becoming Deputy Belgian Inspectorate General on 15th January 1946. Discharged from the RAF on
1st October 1946, after 58 months and 6 days of service, he commanded the 2nd Belgian Air Force Fighter Wing
from August „47 until detached in July 1952 to Maxwell AFB in the USA for a year. Upon his return he held
several senior positions within 69 and 83 Groups. He was OC of the Fighter Training School in „57, Base
Commander at Brustem from „58-60, was Deputy Chief and then Chief of Staff for HQ Group Instructors and
Training. At this time, December 1965, he was promoted to full Colonel. He stayed in the Belgian Air Force until
end-1972, then joined the reserves until end -1975.
Amongst his medals were: Croix de Guerre 1940; Commander of the Order of Couronne 1945; Commanders of
the Orders of Leopold and Leopold 11; Croix Militaire 1st Class, Croix des Evades; French Legion d‟Honneur
and French Croix de Guerre in 1950, and the Czech Military Medal in 1949.
In his retirement, Cheval became a prolific author, of which “Rendezvous with Fate” is probably the best known.
It‟s all flamboyant stuff, mirroring the man himself in real life. He also was extremely successful with the ladies;
I never knew of his wife, though he certainly had a family, and he lived with his daughter in his final years, as
you know. Paul Libbrecht used to keep us posted on Cheval‟s moods of high emotion (new lady about) and deep
depression (lady departed), which seemed to happen quite regularly. More Gallic than Belgian, it appears!
At the unveiling of the Memorial to 609 in Waremme in Belgium in September 2003, Cheval was the prime 609
speaker. He told me that Waremme was a favourite town of his, for he had once been based at a nearby airfield,
40 minutes away by car. He hated his accommodation, but, as CO, could billet himself elsewhere. So he
discovered Waremme, and moved in. This must have been post-war.
Cheval died at 1600 on Wednesday January 30th 2008, aged 88. His funeral was organised in Belgium by his old
350 Squadron, and took place at Florennes Church at 11 am on February 5th 2008. His coffin was covered with
the Belgian flag, and on top was the flag of 609 (WR) Squadron. Only the weather let the side down, being
desperately wet during the day, and soaking those who lined the streets, marched with the coffin, or stood in the
churchyard for the internment.
Flight Lieutenant Jeff Metcalfe happened to be in Belgium at the time, on a visit to Kleine Brogel Air Base, and
was able to represent the Officer Commanding, and members of 609 (West Riding) Squadron at the funeral. He
gave an appreciation of Cheval, the preparation of which was kindly aided by Commander Konrad Roumieux
and Lt Col Wilfried van Linden. Association member Joss Leclercq attended from his home in France, and told
me that Jeff‟s presentation had been excellent. Jeff later told me of the wonderful reception that he was
subsequently given after the funeral, by so many different but appreciative Belgians. “I was overwhelmed,
David,” he said. “People just kept coming up to me, introducing themselves, thanking me, and I just couldn‟t
keep up with who they all were!” That is pretty typical of the Belgians – an immensely polite and welcoming
nation.
One Philippe Denman wrote an obituary on 30th January, that I found on the internet. From the French, the final
line translates thus:
“For us, my Colonel, it is not the end. We will never forget you. You will remain always in our memories. Au
revoir Cheval.”
10.
Captain Malcolm Frederick Hargreaves, 9 March 1932 -16 March 2008
Winter still had us in her clutches when we lost one of our jet age pilots, and a darned good one at that, according
to his contemporaries. Malcolm had been suffering from Alzheimer‟s disease for some time, a wretched and
utterly wearying illness that blights not only the sufferers, but particularly those who have to look after them.
We gathered at The Church of the Epiphany, Austwick, near Settle, at 11 am on Friday 28th March. It was a
miserable day, wet and windy; snow against the stone walls. Probably quite pleasant by Yorkshire standards!
Representing the Association were President AVM Sandy Hunter, Vice President Dave Shaw, Chairman S/Ldr
Brian Waite, Christine Slingsby, Phil Proudley, Christine Titherington and myself. Malcolm‟s coffin was
covered with the 609 Squadron flag.
Anna Hargreaves read her own verses “Stop all the clocks, quieten the dog…”, and then their grandson
Daniel read “Sea Fever” by John Masefield – most apt, as Malcolm‟s latter years had revolved around
boats, not planes.
Eldest son David then gave an appreciation of his father, the gist of which I set out below.
“We are here to celebrate Dad‟s life, and to pay our respects; a good man on his last trip. We thank you all
for coming. The readings that Mum and Daniel gave so well were chosen to reflect the virtues and
standards of this modest man.
Whilst I could enjoy philosophical discussions with him, Dad was always right. He said that death was it,
final. I believe in heaven; so, we may both get a surprise! Dad will certainly have navigated there, and will
be telling God what to do next.
Dad served 25 years with BOAC and British Airways, after leaving the RAF. I was actually on the flight
deck with him, on an approach to New York, when we had an engine emergency. I just knew that I could
relax, as Dad was in charge. I admit that I did adopt the brace position as we landed, accompanied by
racing fire engines! Air Traffic Control congratulated Dad on a fine landing once we had stopped.
Feizor Marina was mostly built by Dad, and the boat completely by him. Then came his terrible illness, and
Mum stood by him all the time. My brother Stephen was also there, when I couldn‟t be. Dad was never
alone. He was a man of great energy, creativity, and determination; a dignified fighter for all that was
right, honest and fair.”
As Malcolm and “Young” Dave Shaw came from National Service together, to join 609, and were inseparable
buddies, Dave had written an appreciation for the Rev. Ian Greenhalgh to read at the Service. I noted some of it
down, errors and omissions accepted!
“Malcolm was born on 9 March 1932, in Bradford, and attended Grange School. Education completed,
like many of his generation, he was called up for National Service.
This was OK, but it stimulated the need for better things. After the two years were up, we applied to join the
Royal Auxiliary Air Force. The Auxiliary Air Force had provided 21 wartime Squadrons, and it was
estimated that one third of the Battle of Britain pilots were from the Auxiliary Squadrons. 609 were a
Yorkshire Squadron, and the first Spitfire Squadron to achieve 100 kills. This was the one to join.
We wanted to fly front line fighter jets, and the opportunity to do this in the evenings and at weekends was
too good to be true. Malcolm and some of us were fantastically lucky to be given full RAF training once we
had joined the Auxiliaries.
11.
Charles George Brazier
An unusual front for a Service sheet!
Charles taken in 1942
Bee signed Charles‟ PR-G print at Duxford in 2001. With Edward Tetlow and a naked William de Goat
And Bee Beamont‟s Typhoon was on the back!
Rhoeta and Charles, still at Duxford in 2001
◄ This was Charles‟ other life. What a sweet little combine! No cab, eight foot
wide header, must be mid-70‟s. Now they cost £150K, have 40‟ headers,
automatic everything, surround sound stereo, climate control, the works. At
harvest time, a good engineer like Charles is without price for the farming
community. No wonder he was so popular!
Colonel Aviateur Raymond “Cheval” Lallemant DFC*
Cheval avec Cheval, et circa 2,000 chevaux in his Typhoon!
Cheval, Ortmans, de Selys, Blanco, de Spirelet, C. Gutt,
Dopere, Malengreau, van Lierde – Duxford 1942
He had that look about him in 1943
In his Typhoon cockpit, Manston 1943
Goering decorates night fighter acre Heinz Vinke Cheval at the Pegasus Bridge flies the flag in 2004
with Iron Cross, who Cheval shot down 3 months later
12.
Funeral of Cheval Lallemant DFC*
The hearse arrives at Florennes Church. The Guard of Honour stays at the Present as the coffin is carried into the Church, draped with the 609 flag
The Funeral Service, with the RAF Standard to the left of the Altar
Flight Lieutenant Jeff Metcalfe gives his tribute on behalf of 609 (WR) Squadron
Cheval‟s coffin is slow marched through Florennes to the Cemetery, as the rain pours down. The family then pay their respects – his daughter is on the left, I believe.
The Guard of Honour waits with the trumpeters, who will sound The Last Post.
F/Lt. Metcalfe in the act of saluting Colonel Aviateur Cheval Lallemant, DFC*
13.
609 were based at RAF Church Fenton. Malcolm and I shared a room together there for four years. These
four years were the most important in our lives, for it taught us the importance of discipline, trust, and
teamwork. It also helped us to run cars, as we got ¾d per mile for our trips too and from the airfield.
(Think of this as equivalent to 0.3p/mile in modern terms – I now get 40p –Ed).
Church Fenton was home to regular RAF 19 and 72 Squadrons as well. We all flew Meteors, which were
not the safest of aircraft. We and our Yorkshire airmen, despite us all being from very different
backgrounds, used to work as one team, and we could more than hold our own against the full time RAF.
Malcolm proved to be the sort of bloke whom you could trust with anything, He‟d never let you down. Not
only was he an excellent pilot, but also an equally good driver, too. He wouldn‟t live outside Yorkshire, so,
when working as a Captain for BOAC, he used to get from Yorkshire to Heathrow in 2 hours, driving his
TVR sports car.
Malcolm was a lovely man, with a gentle smile, a very good sense of humour, and a great bubbling laugh.
Our 50 years of friendship never weakened for a second.”
Not to be out done, the Rev. Ian Greenhalgh offered his own appreciation:
“When they were married in 1961, Anne found that she had also married a boat and a marina! It has been
wet enough recently for that old marina to reform again. This was to be Malcolm‟s new life: family, flying
and sailing. He said that he‟d frightened himself more than once flying, so it was now time to do the same
at sea.
After the onset of Alzheimer‟s, they moved from Feizor, with its superb views of the surrounding hills to
Long Preston, and Malcolm‟s interests had to become more leisurely. He loved their walks with the dogs,
and even went on a dog training course in 2007.
He and Anne were much helped by Sharon and her fellow carers in the final months.”
After the Service, we drove out to the cemetery, on a hillside outside of the village, to lay Malcolm to rest.
We then adjourned to the Maypole in Long Preston, where I picked up other tales about Dad, from son Stephen
amongst others. In no special order:
-
-
-
Dad was sent in totally the wrong direction by ATC one day. He found himself flying out over the North
Sea. “Never mind what you say, I‟m coming back!” He ran out of fuel on finals, hit a ploughed field as
the engines died, bounced over the hedge and arrived on the runway in a heap of bits.
He attended his National Service recruitment office wearing shorts. The sign of a potentially awkward
and independently minded bod! “What service do you prefer?” “Only the RAF, of course – I want to fly!”
But they gave him another service. Much heated discussion, to no avail. The next day, he spotted the
RAF big wig, who had rejected him the day before, and set upon him once more. “Remember me from
yesterday? I still want to fly.” “Oh, it‟s you again, is it? I can‟t stand all that again, OK, it‟s the RAF.”
It seems that a pair of them wanted to sea Blackpool from the air, so they buzzed the sea front in opposite
directions, just missing each other.
On long transatlantic flights, he had time to design both his house – Feizor – and his boat.
Eventually, the repetition of such flights got to him and he left British Airways. He had turned down the
chance to fly Concorde, as he found the flight deck too small, and lacking in crew.
Aircraft that suited him included the Boeing Stratocruiser, the Comet, Lockheed Tri-Star‟s, and
particularly the Vickers VC10. There was a good team on this aircraft, and all would go out socially
together on stop over‟s. Whilst his position as a Senior Captain required him to examine
the flying abilities of others, he didn‟t enjoy the tension and atmosphere that resulted. Malcolm
much preferred the banter of friends around him.
14.
In recognition of their life-long friendship, Stephen Hargreaves presented Dave Shaw with a pewter model of a
Gloster Meteor F8, as flown by Dave and Malcolm in 609. The model, though made in England, could only be
located to buy in New Zealand, so the gift had travelled nearly 25,000 miles to be there. Dave then sent me a
second appreciation of Malcolm, sufficiently different to the first to be included here.
“In my experience most of the best RAF pilots were quiet and gentle people. Malcolm was one of those.
Together with Frank Reacroft, Jimmy Heath and a few others of our pilots. Malc had a quiet determination
to do everything as well as he possibly could. Including flying no. 3 in the 609 formation aerobatic
team, needing great flying ability in Meteors, which were not exactly the most sensitive aeroplanes to fly.
And not the safest.
Malc joined 609 in 1953 after National Service, being one of the very few exceptionally lucky people who
were given the chance to do the whole RAF training during those two years. He flew with us until the end
of our flying squadron in 1957, and was one of the four allowed to fly over our disbandment parade in March
57. He always said that he had a 'phantom dive' when down wind on that last trip which frightened the life
out of the Yorkshire Post reporter in the back seat. He was in one of our two Meteor T7 two seaters.
They always say that flying, dinghy sailing, riding and driving need the same qualities. Sensitive firm but
gentle hands and a good sensitive seat giving balance to the whole body. And, of course, determination.
Malc was a fascinatingly determined driver. His first 609 car was a pre war Singer 9 which went round
corners in two stages when at speed. The wheels and chassis followed instructions from the driver and
turned as instructed. Following behind you saw this happening - but you also saw the body carrying straight
on. Until it realised that unless it followed a disaster was inevitable.
His second was an Alvis Speed 20 which also went a lot faster than the makers intended. I had an Alvis
too and we often went to the Alvis Owners club meetings at the Sun Inn, Colton, nr Tadcaster. This was a
haunt on Saturday nights when we stayed at Church Fenton as they served the most delicious bacon and egg
sandwiches. His third vehicle was a TVR which went from Yorkshire to Heathrow in not much more than a
shattering two hours. Malc refused to live anywhere but Yorkshire and his BOAC five days on and five days
off always involved trips back home.
Malc retired from British Airways as a senior captain at the age of 50 and then set about building a fishing
boat. He bought a big PVC hull with a Thorneycroft diesel already installed and the proceeded to build a
complete boat in and around it - by hand. Which he then sailed up on the West Coast of Scotland. And
navigated. And, as we always said - never lost - just temporarily uncertain of position.
A very good friend and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
I received this from Phil Proudley:
“David,
Amazingly, 50 years on, I can picture Malcolm sitting in the cockpit of a MeteorF8 whilst being
strapped in. He had long straight, fair, hair, brushed back, an ascetic face and a rather serious approach to
life, I always thought. He was invariably polite, and would always thank whoever was appointed to whatever
a/c he was flying, after strapping him in or helping him "dismount" when he returned from flying.
Not for him the high-speed taxi-in, after landing, much beloved by Pete Hodgson! (You could always
spot "The Ox" as he would have his seat jacked-up to the highest point with his head above the windscreen
and, with much thrust applied and squealing of brakes, he would bear-down on the hapless "erk" marshalling
him in!!!).
15.
Captain Malcolm Frederick Hargreaves
Ta‟Qali Malta, 1956. L-R: Malcolm with fellow pilot Charlie Brown, Training
Officer Paddy White and Adjutant Dave Guild
Oldenburgh 1954: L-R: Malcolm, with Mike Butcher and Young Dave Shaw
The coffin is taken into Austwick Church, where the Reverend Ian Greenhalgh conducted the service
Family flowers and the folded 609 (WR) Sqn flag
Austwick Cemetery on a cheerless day
Stephen Hargreaves gives Dave Shaw a memento of his old friend, a Meteor F8
Malcolm just wanting to be up there and flying! ►
Wheatfield‟s HQ, Leeds. L-R Malcolm Slingsby, fiancée Christine Sharp,
Helen Petty, “Young” Dave Shaw and Malcolm Hargreaves. ▼
………………………………………………………..
16.
The mad life of “Tornado” Smith
F11E LAC Stan Smith‟s brother, “Tornado” Smith, on the Southend Wall of Death with young
lioness Briton on his lap. When she grew, Briton graduated to the sidecar. Beats goldfish, I reckon!
Another lunatic, this one an American called Egbert at Mitcham
Fair USA in the 30‟s, full grown lion alongside
……………………………………………………………….
Jarvis Blayney‟s Transports
Bentley Mk V1, similar to that bought by Jarvis Blayney
Peter Drummond-Hay, Adolf „Jarvis‟ Blayney (r) and the Merlin engined Spitfire
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
More 609 Transports
Original Belgian Barouche (a Rover 16) with full load at Digby
Who needs springs?
Danby Barber looking for the starter.The rabbit
Wilfred is saying “Pah!” Drem, 1940/41
Syd Richardson with Norton.
Ford Estate, second Belgian Barouche needing help at Manston.
Before his meals-on-wheels days!
They rescued Joe Atkinson from the Navy at Dover in this
“Someone will be charged for this!”
Bernard “Tubby” Wright and Eddie
Richardson admire PR-B at Drem
Peter Scott and Eddie Richardson (r) + Spitfire
at Drem
17.
Malcolm would land and taxi-in much more sedately and gently nose-up to the "Marshaller" (who
would not have to wonder if 8 tons of Meteor was going to run over him!)
A thoroughly nice man.
Strangely enough I've been meaning to ask you if you could persuade the author of the tales, (published,
in "Tally Ho!" several editions ago) of flying the Boeing 707 if he could come-up with some more.
The author, in question was, of course, Malcolm.
Maybe they could be published again as a tribute to his BOAC days. I, for one, found them extremely
well-written and funny. (They‟ll be on file: Jim Earnshaw must have printed them – Ed)
Phil”
“Yorkie” Jim, aka Jim Barlow, sent me a note, apologising for being unable to attend, and hoping that we hadn‟t
all been snowed in. It was close, Jim! The snow had melted a great deal by the day of the funeral, only the high
Dales looking very bleak and snow clad.
John Collins also apologised for non-attendance, though admitted to several trout fishing expeditions in the
stream at Long Preston, when they were at Scout Camp. “Poaching, I suppose!” he admitted. “You‟ll like it
there” he informed me. “Lots of limestone hills, caves, and sheep.” That may be so, but in driving rain, with
snow on the ground, I yearned to be well south of Watford as fast as possible!
From fellow Meteor pilot, Tom Greaves. “Just retuned from Brazil again, and following both your mails I was
saddened as we all are to hear of Malcolm's one way ticket. In my days he always came across as a kind
considerate man. When we met last time he still retained that sparkle through his adversity. Many thanks to you
both for ensuring that the squadron was represented in Ingelton. Sorry that I could not be there.”
……………………………………………………………
Tale Spin 1
The late Charles Brazier, writing about his time in 609, remembered F11E LAC Stan Smith, who was with him
at Manston in 1943. Stan had a brother, called “Tornado” Smith who was a Wall of Death rider at Southend-onSea. By staggering coincidence, the ex-curator of the Beaulieu Motor Museum, Michael Ware, wrote a brief
article on Tornado, no more than a month later. So what? Well, Tornado didn‟t ride solo – he had a sidecar, in
which sat a lioness…..
Oh, that was too good to leave alone! It seems that he wasn‟t unique, and that various showmen did this, mostly
in the States. Even better, I found photographs, which I have used elsewhere. I hope that you read this before you
see them, as otherwise it‟s going to be pretty difficult to fathom out what on earth a lion, in a sidecar, halfway up
a wall, has to do with 609! The lions would, when small, sit on the rider‟s lap, paws on handlebars, manes
streaming in the wind, but, as they grew, it had to be in a sidecar. Tornado used a lioness, but I can‟t see what
difference it would have made, if he‟d had a pile up. Lion or lioness, it would be one bloody cross animal if had
been dumped off the bike in a big heap!
I took the photos down to the recent Great Dorset Steam Fair, where there is always a Wall of Death act. I wasn‟t
going to tell the bikers that they were wimps, because they hadn‟t got lions; they were big, tough, fit blokes,
covered in muscles and tattoos, and I‟m the one who looks like a wimp. Turns out that the head of the outfit
knew of Tornado, his exploits, and the Americans too. Briton, Tornado‟s lioness, broke her leg in her cage
somehow, aged 5, and had to be shot. The Americans appeared to have eaten theirs when the war started! Theirs
were ex-circus lions, apparently a bit short in the tooth department, but the one that I picture seemed to have a
good set of choppers. Tornado‟s wife was called Dynamite Doris, which may have explained why he eventually
committed suicide in Africa during the war years. The Wall of Death man reckoned that brother Stan Smith is
still alive, but Charles Brazier reported to the contrary. Whatever, it makes an amusing story.
…………………………………………………………..
18.
Jarvis Blayney was a BoB pilot with 609, and bought a Bentley MkV1 post-war, claiming that its engine was as
close in mechanical excellence to that of his beloved Merlin as he could get. Son John Blayney wrote of this in
the Telegraph, noting that the family still owns it. In fact his brother Peter Blayney maintains the vehicle now,
and told me about it:
“Yes, I have owned the MkVI Bentley owned by my Father since his death in 1995. I was the last person to
drive him in the car, just a few months before he died, when he asked me to take him out just before
Christmas 1994. We went down little more than a track to a hill, from where we had a marvellous view
overlooking Yeadon Aerodrome, now of course Leeds Bradford Airport. How different from pre WWII,
when it was built for 609 with the Hawker Harts and Hinds, grass runways and canvas hangars! It was as
though he was saying goodbye to the place, I have since realised.
The next time the Bentley was used was for the funeral. Father had retained the habit of filling up after
every run, however short, to the brim, as per standard RAF practice, to avoid any condensation getting into
the fuel. Needless to say, the car started first touch of the button, with all levels correct, and needing no
attention on the day.
I undertook a thorough mechanical restoration beginning in autumn 1995, when the engine „failed to
proceed‟ at 134700 miles. It is now fully operational again, and I use it regularly during the summer
months for special events, or just fun journeys. The farthest it has ever taken me was in 1996, when I
visited my second daughter Emma, who at that time was attending school in the Gers district, near
Toulouse. All the other parents had flown down and hired Euro boxes, whilst Emma and I proceeded
gracefully away for a tour including Lourdes, Pau, Biarritz and then home.
The Bentley always attracts attention, particularly the badges, amongst which are the 609 Squadron badge
and that of the Royal Aero Club. It gives me pleasure every time I use it. It has even been used recently to
provide some simple driving instruction for my 17 year old son on a local airfield!”
The Telegraph Motoring supplement threw up the Blayney Bentley, and recently gave me another amusing lead.
I have owned a mildly tuned 1973 Triumph TR6 sports car since 1976, equipped with Hooligan Exhausts. A Rev.
John Campbell wrote in, to point out that motoring is mentioned in the Bible. Apparently “David‟s Triumph was
heard throughout the Land.” Blimey, I thought that it was only Farnborough! Also, there is a Honda in the New
Testament: “The Apostles were all in one Accord.” Rev. Campbell‟s Church hosts a vintage motor cycle club,
and it‟s rumoured that he does communion and a 3,000 mile service!
………………………………………….
Alan Senior told me of his time in 3609 between 1949-51. The OC at the time was Fl.Lt Martin, who I
understand was a local salesman of some type. He wasn‟t over busy, apparently only having five accounts, so
had more than enough time to assist his 609 colleagues, particularly to stave off boredom.
Alan was playing a rugby match v. RAF Rufforth one day. Come half time, there‟s a message for him to say that
he had just been demobbed! Alan then played the second half, as far away the ball as possible, so as to avoid
carrying an injury into Civvy street.
………………………………………….
For those of you who knew Ted Watson, who was a Sgt Fitter from 1947-55, I have a note from his wife, initial
J, but unfortunately no full first name. In it she says that Ted suffered a severe stroke in 2002, and is unable to
attend any Association functions. She does convey his best wishes to anyone who remembers him.
………………………………………….
The Yorkshire Air Museum was used in February this year to film a History Channel/Channel 5 documentary
entitled “The Last of the Dambusters.” Have I missed it? The Museum had the ideal wartime hangars to act as a
backdrop.
19.
The Museum was also host to the unveiling of a Memorial to the WW11 airmen who learned to fly in Canada.
The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan was agreed in December 1939, the first course beginning in
March 1941. 137,000 airmen were trained in Canada, out of 300,000 totally trained. 300 members of the Air
Crews Association gathered for the ceremony. I believe that their Memorial Room is attached to the back of ours
(maybe it is the Airborne Forces Room, actually, can‟t remember), but the plaque is on the wall outside their
room.
…………………………………………
John Matley, who kindly provided the obituary for Syd Cutler, pointed out a couple of errors in my photo
captions. Yes, he did share a billet with that quiet, introverted gentleman called John Collins, to whom I
attributed membership of the Electrical Section. Not so; it was Syd, John Matley and Jim Kentish, plus
Auxiliaries at weekends. John did admit that Mr Collins was always a live wire in the billets. Oh my, you don‟t
say! My next bit of paper actually comes from JC himself, who refuted Young Dave Shaw‟s belief that he could
remember the Meteors that 609 flew better than Phil Proudley. “I regret that I can only remember the good
times, pubs, songs, games etc., - the rest I leave to the swots.”
……………………………………..
My stunning filing system has thrown up a letter from Tony Jones, the age of which I am too embarrassed to
declare! It accompanied his memoirs, extracts from which I used a year ir two ago. Anyway, Tony recollected
that during the Squadron‟s spell at Drem, one pilot was having great difficulty in turning his head round. He got
his fitter to screw his car mirror on top of his Spitfire‟s aircraft: it was an outstanding success, and became
standard. “A 609 invention - hope he managed reversing his car!”
Tony went on to wonder why 609 received no recognition for its part in the destruction of the Heinkel He 111,
over the Firth of Forth, and the first enemy plane to be shot down in the war. “Only the 602 and 603 (Turnhousebased) Squadrons get a mention, but we were on constant patrol for three days, re-arming and refuelling, and
being kept awake with hot cocoa.” I presume that all such endeavours cannot compare with the actions that
actually resulted in the shooting down of the Heinkel. Rather like Coastal Command anti-submarine patrols, in
which endless 6 to 10 hour sorties never resulted in a sighting of anything. Essential, but unrewarding and
overlooked.
………………………………………………
Wing Commander Roy Stark, Pinkie‟s brother, has had a most unpleasant car accident, from which recovery is
slow and painful. He received a big bash in the face from a farm gate, as he drove into a low sun that unsighted
him. This occurred a month or so after he and Joan had attended the June Reunion at Elvington. Much sympathy
to him, and our best wishes to them both as he strives to regain his fitness.
…………………………………………………..
Not to be outdone, Desmond Park was exiting a car park, having completed a day‟s work at Pudsey Police
Station, and was T-boned at some 50 mph by a chap in an old-ish car, who appeared rapidly from round a corner,
lost control, and hit him. Desmond bust his ribs on his right side in the crash, but, after a good assessment, and
the issue of 50 kgs of pain killers, was sent home, with instructions not to laugh or cough! He sounds amazingly
chipper, all things considered. He has had a couple of visits from the Chief Constable, to ensure that he is making
good progress, and that he will be welcomed back to work as soon as possible. Doesn‟t bode well for the other
driver, does it, when you have friends like that!
Desmond then phoned, to ask if I had heard whether the post war Squadron Doctor, Claude Sharp, had died.
No, I hadn‟t, but Desmond had read a brief obituary in a newspaper. He volunteered to phone Claude‟s sister
Mary, Big Dave Shaw‟s widow, and did so. The excellent news was that our Claude Sharp is alive and kicking,
so it was just a coincidence. And a relief! And their son, Martin Shaw, has left the RAF, and is now working for
Barclay‟s Bank in London. Martin had been involved in setting up the Association‟s first web site.
………………………………………………………..
20.
For some reason, I have come across the address of The National Servicemen‟s Association. In case someone
wants it, contact:
Mr Michael Crow, Membership Secretary, National Service (RAF) Association, 7 Heath Road,
Lake, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8PJ
........................................................................
613 (City of Manchester) Squadron Association produce a good newsletter called „Semper Parati‟, and I
exchange mine with theirs, via Secretary Terry Holden. I‟ve just read their latest one, and it made me think of the
parallel between 609 and themselves, as regards where we were formed.
Manchester‟s Ringway Airport was finished in June 1938, and an agreement between The Air Ministry,
Manchester Corporation and the East Lancashire Territorial Association led to the founding there of 613 on
March 1st 1939. 609 had formed at Yeadon, now Leeds Bradford Airport on 10th February 1936. 609 at least
started the War with Spitfires – 613, the last Auxiliary Squadron to be formed, had to make do with Hawker
Hinds and then Hectors. They flew Lysanders until getting Curtiss Tomahawk fighters in July 1941 and
Mustangs in April 1942.
Roll forward to present times. Manchester Airport still gives home to 613 Squadron Association. The Squadron
has a large glass memorial Plaque near to the entrance of Terminal One at Ringway, plus a large stone Memorial
to all who served in the Squadron in Stanley Green, the Airport‟s Memorial Garden‟s near the centre of Terminal
3, Olympic House. The Airport allowed the Association to keep their Squadron Silver in their Archive Room in
what was the old Officers Mess. The Annual Reunion used to be in a suite inside the Terminal 2 building, though
now held some 3 miles away, at what used to be the Manchester Airport Hotel. Upon the closure of the old Mess,
prior to demolition to make way for a new car park, the Association had a last look round. The Airport Authority
provided lunch there, set out the Squadron Silver, and were told that the Authority were very proud of 613 and
3613 FCU, so that both would always be welcome at Ringway.
Their 70th Anniversary Reunion will be sponsored by Manchester Airport Authority, in recognition of the long
association of 613 and the Airport.
Now we reach the point of comparison with Leeds Town Council, and the Airport authorities at what was
Yeadon. We paid for a Memorial on a wall in 1957, which was moved, then hidden for two years, then put back
under pressure from the Association. Pretty well hidden again, too. It isn‟t in much of a position now, but is the
best of all the memorials there. That‟s about it actually! The past owners appeared to rate 609 as a nuisance
rather than a Squadron to be proud of. To be fair, Leeds Bradford is one relatively small Terminal, no adjacent
Hotel, no buildings from 609‟s time, no place to set aside for a Reunion as the public spaces are just that –
public. But there‟s room for a Memorial Stone outside, a statue of a pilot also. Perhaps the new owners of the
Airport will have a different attitude, once they have expanded the place as they have promised?
The July 1st edition of the Yorkshire Post reported that airport owners Bridgepoint Capital, are to invest £70m to
improve the site. Aiming to get lots more business users, and to expand services world-wide. rated by one reader
as having surly indifference to its passengers, lousy expensive food and Stazi-like security, the new manager
Tony Hallwood, asked for patience. He vastly improved Bristol Airport before moving to Leeds Bradford. £3m is
being spent to the vehicular access and parking areas, other plans will be announced this autumn. The recession
isn‟t going to help, though.
……………………………………………………………..
The Crossed Hunting Horns Trophy was accepted by S/Ldr Arthur Hudson in 1952, from the widow of Mr
Will Friend, who had donated the two horns to 609 in 1941. 609 visited his pub when based at RAF Church
Fenton, but it took until 1952 to take up the offer.
A policeman-cum-author in Dorset is researching the story of 609‟s 100th kill by Frank Howell and Sidney Hill,
and has unearthed another possible trophy. Hudson wrote to Frank Howell‟s father on 26th August 1950, in
which mention was made of a compass, history unknown, that Frank‟s father had passed
21.
to the Squadron. It was supposed to have been mounted, with a silver plate attached. There is no photographic
record of this ever having happened. Does anyone out there have any recollection of such a trophy? Or another
one, spotted on the mantelpiece of the 609 Room at Church Fenton in 1989. It seems to be a small gas cylinder,
mounted horizontally on a wooden base. It‟s in the photo of the room found elsewhere in this issue.
…………………………………………………
Brian Waite has been contacted by the relatives of Flt Sgt Robert Owen Ellis. According to The Roll of Honour
Board in the Squadron Room, Robert Ellis died on 17th November 1943. This is repeated in „609 At War‟. In
fact, „Under the White Rose‟ has it right, for he was shot down near Rouen in Typhoon JR147 by flak. He
became a POW and only died recently.
The ORB for the day states the following:
Nov. 17 Low flying and cloud flying practice, and the usual continental weather recco at 1155. At 1525
there is an ill-fated Rhubarb when Sgt Watelet and F/Sgt Ellis set out for the Rouen area. Nothing is heard
of them again, and neither returns.
Enemy Casualties: Nil
Our casualties
: 2 Typhoons Cat E
Sgt Watelet (Belgian) and F/Sgt Ellis missing.
Both of these were promising pilots. Sgt Watelet in particular had been in the Squadron for some time (he
had served in it as a cadet in 1941) and had endeared himself to everyone by his charm. His commission
was to come through shortly afterwards
In fact, both pilots became POWs, and George Watelet is still alive in Belgium. Robert‟s grandson in law has
many documents of him, and told Brian that Ellis left hundreds of models, which they would like to get rid of.
Furthermore they would be happy for us to photograph his documents, etc. Brian is on the case!
Leeming News
Vale to the current OC 609 (WR) Squadron, Squadron Leader Hilary Vincent-Philpot, who left the Squadron at
the end of July. (Vale is posh Latin-speak for goodbye; for those of you wot lack my bril publik skool
edukation). The opposite is Valete, but currently I can‟t say hello to anyone, as the role remains open to
interview, in September I believe.
Hilary, I can‟t let you go without saying many thanks for all that you did. I was most grateful for your setting up
a link to the Sqn, by which information could be fed to me – very useful for an editor faced with empty pages!
Copies of presentations, sorting of names, all so helpful. However, there was one Squadron- cum-Association
event in particular that was most memorable for me. You obtained permission to bring a 609 Guard of Honour to
Berlaar, for the unveiling of the Memorial to Baron van Zylen van Nyevelt. You arranged for the presentation of
the 609 Squadron Crest to the OC, Kolonel Edwin Lauwers, and 609 medallions to his parade organiser,
Commander Bea Beckbergen, George Jaspis, and dear Paul Libbrecht. Within 3 weeks, Paul had gone, but that
smile on his face, captured on film, as he held his medallion, will stay with me for many a year. It was a superb
event, for a very good cause, and ended with the concert by that huge 117 piece Military Band in Berlaar
Cathedral. Their rendition of the RAF March was brilliant, and so was the subsequent reception. I do recall
falling over a kerb afterwards!
Wherever you go, and whatever you do in the Auxiliaries, have fun, have a good time with the family, and I
know that you won‟t forget 609. We‟ll not forget you!
…………………………………………………….
New recruits
They‟re blooming old recruits now! 11 months ago, five of them completed their Basic Recruitment Training
with the regular RAF at Halton. FS Vic Rose and Corp Greg Spare took them through their Individual
Deployment Training upon their return to 609. Graduation took place on a special parade on
22.
7th October 2007. The Honourable Air Commodore of 609, Simon Bostock, presented them with their
Graduation Certificates, and welcomed them into the Squadron. A proud day for them and their assembled
families and friends.
Leeming Charities
Flight Sergeant Vic Rose is i/c the Charities Team at 609, and has sent me a comprehensive list of what the
Squadron achieved in the 2007 year. But this is 2008, David! Yes, yes, I know, but had I been in print earlier
than this, then the report would be recent, rather than ancient, history! Sorry, you lot – also, Leeming readers will
know all about what you did. But 75% of my readers don‟t, so indulge me, please. Vic Rose has sent me the copy
that you find below.
609 (WR) Charities: some history
In Oct 2005 609 (WR) Sqn decided that each year that they would adopt a different charity. It was decided that
the charity each year could be from within, or outside, the Squadron. No one knew how well this adoption would
go each year, and how much hard work would go in to some of the events. The first year (Jan 06 – Jan 07) the
Squadron adopted North Air Ambulance service and managed to raise £4500 for them. This was handed over in
Jan 07, with a presentation of the cheque, and a photo at 609 (WR) Sqn.
So in Jan 07 the Sqn had to pick a new charity to adopt starting from Jan 07 to Jan 08. Sgt Ian Mackie came
forward with the Multiple Sclerosis Hambleton and Richmondshire Branch, and presented it to the committee.
The committee decided that this was the charity they wanted to adopt for this year, and that it was now time to
start looking at events.
FS Rose and his charity committee started looking at all sorts of things that could raise money, and that could be
done quite quickly, but maybe not easily! As the first few months were about getting things organised, we did
not really do any big events in Jan 07 and Feb 07. Instead we held a bonus ball each weekend, bar nights, and
bingo, whilst the Sqn. committee came up with their ideas, in the bar, on how to raise money. This is what they
decided to do, and the income that each produced.
EVENTS- what we did in 2007

23–24 Mar 07 a team from 609 (WR) Sqn ran for 24 hours and covered over 200 miles - £1,000

26–27 May 07 a team from 609 (WR) Sqn did the 609 challenge. 24 hours in the gym, on running
machines covering a total of 404 Kms. The event was started by Wg Cdr O‟Neil, OC Admin RAF
Cottesmore, and FS Vic Rose, each doing 10 kms. The other 384 kms were completed by the team, led
by Sgt Dave Cripps. - £850

19 Aug–01 Sep 07 Sgt Dave Fielding, SAC Dave Lacy, and a support team of FO Hall and LAC
Patterson completed a cycle ride from Lands End to John O‟Groats covering 913.5 miles ( we must not
forget the 0.5 of a mile) - £1,400

22 Sep 07, SAC „Leggs‟ Willis organised a waxing night where volunteers from the Sqn had many bits
waxed for this good cause. The waxing night was carried out by 3 ladies from the Waxing Business of
Trendz of Saltburn - £450.

23–24 Nov 07, a team of 16, led by FS Vic Rose, carried out a 24 hour march with a difference. Each
person had to carry either 50 lbs or 30 lbs, unless you were RAF Regt: then it was only 50 lbs. I must say
it wasn‟t easy whichever you were landed with! Team members had to cover 30 miles carrying the
weight, and complete the route inside 24 hours. In hindsight, we could have completed the task inside 13
hours! Twelve 609ers were joined by 2 civilians, and I am glad to say they both finished the task with no
real problems. One lady from the Sqn also joined the event; there‟d be no prizes for guessing who was.
Correct: Janet Timmins! Wing Commander
23.
Leeming activities
MS Fund Raising Event No. 1 – a 24 hour team relay run, March 23-24. They look fit
and happy, so this will be before the start, then! They raised £1,000
▼
7 Oct 2007: New Recruits Graduation, with AC Simon Bostock
MS Fund Raising event 2 – 26/7 May,
a 24 hour running marathon in the gym.
They ran 404 kms, raised £850, and the
last picture was taken before smoke from
the burning running machines filled the
room…..
◄
►
♦ Event 3 I have covered before: Dave‟s
Fielding and Lacey pedalled from Lands
End to John O‟Groats to raise £1400 at
the end of August
Event 4: Craig Young before the off. No wonder he isn‟t smiling
Aaaaaggghhhh !
World record hand shaking attempt by local radio presenter
G Mack, with FS Vic Rose
◄ Before the off 2:
misery!
All done: ►
happiness!
MS fund raising event 6: The 30 mile run with kit bags. 12 from 609 plus two civilians raised £1800 inside 13 hours, fuelled by Sgt Ian Mackie
24.
Pilots and Airmen who feature in this Newsletter
S/Ldr Paul Richey‟s Spitfire models the Drem period 609 invention – the car
mirror above his cockpit. I had one on my Morris Marina, I think….
Back row: Sgts. George Watelet, Brian Foley and Robert Ellis. Johnny
Baldwin and Artie Ross finish the row. Ellis and Watelet were both
shot down on 17 Nov 1943, Ellis wrongly presumed KIA
Leon „Mon Oncle‟ Henrion, Joseph Zegers, Joseph Gueffen and George Watelet
at Manston. George was made a PoW along with Sgt Robert Ellis.
Raymond „Cheval‟ Lallemant, DFC* Baron Etienne van Zylen van Nyevelt,
Lodewijck-Emmanuel Manu Geerts DFC
Ken Wilson, who died along with Bob Thorley when the door for Hangar 5 fell on them and Bob Smith (r) as they tried to close it during an air raid on 14th August 1940.
at Middle Wallop. Sergeant Feary shot down the offending Ju88, whilst Mac Goodwin died after ditching off Boscombe Pier.
ADVERTISEMENT! Buy this book, read the touching story of how a poor Kid made good, and thus make this fine man wealthy and even more famous. ADVERTISEMENT!
25.
Wilkins, OC Ops, started us at 1500, and „finished‟ us at 1030 the next day. Big thanks to Sgt Ian
Mackie, who gave up his own time to fuel and water the team during the whole event. - £1,800.

All year round, extra money was made from doing bingo nights, beer nights, and bonus ball, and anything
else cooked up on the night by the Sqn committee. All these raised £550.
The personnel from 609 (WR) Sqn put a lot of time and effort to do these events. I personally would like to
thank every one who has taken part in an event, or stuck your hand in your pocket to take out a pound and
buy a bonus ball.
After last year it was going to be hard to beat £4500, and we knew it would take some big events to do it.
However, ladies and gents: we did manage to do it! We are proud to say that we raised Six thousand and
fifty pounds - £6050 - for MS. I think every one on the squadron should be proud of what they have done,
not only in this, but also previous years.
Events for 2008
January 2008: time to pick a new charity, and to start looking for new events. Some of the events in mind
are, the 24 hour run, Rutland Water carrying 50lb, some little mountains for Dave Fielding, and of course the
waxing night.
I would just like to say, ladies and gents, it‟s not about beating last year‟s amount or this year‟s amount. The
charity we pick will be happy with what ever we present them with at the end of the year. I hope that who
ever we pick we get the same support from them as we did from MS Hambleton and Richmondshire Branch.
I would just like to finish with saying that if it was not good enough to get one award this year for our work
with Heartstart, then another would be even better. We have now been presented with another from MS.
Each year MS present the Shining Star Award, normally to an individual. This year we are happy to say that
the Star was presented to 609 (WR) Sqn as a group. Finally, if you have any ideas at all for a fund raiser for
2008, then please approach the committee and talk to us.
Here is to another good year, and to say „good luck‟ in any event you enter.
V Rose
Chairman Charities Committee
…………………………………………………………………………………
609 also had a visit from a local radio presenter, one G Mack, who was attempting to break the World Hand
Shaking Record. He thought that he could catch quite a few hands at the Squadron, so paid them a visit. I have no
idea how he got on, nor how his hand is, but it must have seemed like a good idea at the time!
…………………………………………………………………………….
I had a call from Jane House in the early spring. She and her brother John Evans wish to commemorate the life
of their late father, and OC 609 (WR) Squadron from 1954 to 1956, Wing Commander Edgar “Tommy”
Evans OBE. A donation to charity on an annual basis was in their minds. On my suggestion, she has contacted
Vic, and I received this from him:
“I was so glad to hear, and proud to know, that Jane has decided to donate annually in memory of her
father. I would like to say now, that the part donated by Jane will be in Memoriam of Wing Commander
Tommy Evans.
This year, we have adopted the Neonatal Clinic James Cook Hospital as our charity. If it could be arranged,
we would love Jane to come along, and present her cheque to the Hospital, on behalf of her father.
Recipients are invited to the 609(WR) Squadron Mess each January for a bit of a celebration, a photo call,
and to receive their cheques.”
26.
609 (WR) Sqn current overseas deployments, 2008
From Flt. Lt. Jeff Metcalfe, in March:
“Latest movements of 609 personnel as follows:
3 Feb. Flt Lt Ian Forster and SAC Mark Fennell returned back to UK soil after their tour in Basrah. Ian
goes to his new job at Cranwell in March, whilst Mark is now on post-deployment leave and will go back to
work at the Dept for Work & Pensions in late April.
18 Feb. LACs Phil Bambridge and Rob Maude deployed to Basrah for the start of their tour with II Sqn
RAF Regt.
20-23 Feb. With a staggered deployment over the course of a few days last week, 609ers with 3 Sqn RAF
Regt deployed on Op Herrick to Kandahar, Afghanistan. They are: Cpl Andy Lynch, SAC Dave Lacy and
LACs Sam Barnard, Jon Cross, Rob Duncan, Chris Kinchin, Martin Patterson and Alan Turley.
So 609 have 10 overseas as we speak. I'll get the official BFPO addresses and let you have them; maybe
some members may like to write to them? This would be especially nice for Afghanistan, as IT, e-mail,
mobile and other electronic means are limited and in some cases banned all together.” [Anyone wishing to
do this, contact Secretary Hugh Mulligan for the latest addresses – Ed.]
Then this in early July from Peter Wilson:
“David, please find enclosed a photo of Mark Williams on the left, me in the centre and Neil Sowerby on
the right. [In the colour pages – Ed.] This was taken in the 1 Squadron Hangar at Honington, upon our
return from Iraq. Here we presented a 609 Plaque to Squadron Leader Jason Sutton, the O.C. of 1 Sqn. Jim
Cairney was not there, as he was attached to HQ, and so did not come back with us. I had a letter from the
O.C. thanking me for the drawing that I produced for 1 Squadron to sell and raise money for their
Squadron Fund [also in the colour pages – Ed.]. As you may or may not know, I have produced quite a few
portraits for people leaving 609, and when I mentioned the 1 Sqn. drawing, it was suggested that maybe I
could consider producing one for 609. This I thought as a great idea, and when I mentioned this to Hugh
Mulligan and Mike Foster the last time I was out for a drink with them, they agreed. I see it as a drawing of
the history of 609, from its founding to the present day, with about 6-8 drawings of key moments in its
history.” This excellent idea has been endorsed by all who know Peter‟s work, so hopefully inspiration
will follow.
I know that PO Alfie Hall has deployed to Basrah recently, likewise Alan Hayman. There is a rumour that nonRegiment Squadron members have been called up, along with those from other Auxiliaries, to replace Regiment
qualified soldiers on UN Peacekeeping Duties in Cyprus. That will free up the regulars there for duty in the
Middle East. God bless the Auxiliaries, eh? The Regulars surely appreciate them – here is part of the letter from
S/Ldr Jason Sutton of 1 Squadron, RAF Regiment, to Peter.
“…your Squadron badge will serve as a reminder to us of the sterling service you gave whilst you were
with us this year. …We could not have achieved what we did without the Auxiliary personnel who we
served alongside. I hope that we might have the great privilege of serving with some of you again in the
future.”
………………………………………………………………………….
The 609 (WR) Squadron Association Annual Reunion, 28 June 2008
Last year, the wish of the AGM was to return to our spiritual base, the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington. After
all, that‟s where the 609 Room is located. The first hurdle to overcome was the need for suitable accommodation
nearby. We‟d been stumped a few years before, which is why we found that the St.George, at Durham Tees
Valley Airport, was so handy.
27.
John Collins suggested that the Parsonage Hotel, at Escrick, would be pretty good as a base for those coming up
on the Friday night. Hugh and Brian had a look, and at other suggestions made by John, and block booked a
number of rooms at the Parsonage, securing a dinner, bed and breakfast rate. It was a very good choice, and they
had comfortable rooms, private dining facilities for us on Friday night, and a nice setting, very close to the YAM.
Friday afternoon up the A1 and associated choked highways had extended our journey by a good 90 minutes,
which made the final hold up even more bizarre. We were only 200 metres from the hotel, but there we sat.
Why? A boat ahead of us had fallen over. A boat? Surely we were on dry land? Oh yes, but this one had been on
a trailer, until it fell off just beyond the hotel, blocking the road! At such moments I start to feel the need to use
my fine Land Rover product to its design limits, and drive through/over/round the obstruction, especially when
you can see your destination through the hedge. Prudence dictated patience, as a Landie sized hole through said
hedge, and my vehicle covered in shrubbery, would have given the game away to an irate Hotel management.
Dumped boat now removed, we met the Hobbs, Derek Weatherill and Cathy Pashby, Jean Graham and Marcia
Gadd taking tea in the lounge. Dez and Alison Robinson were taking beer next door in the bar! I then observed
our illustrious Chairman taking in eyefuls of young ladies, part of the wedding party also using the hotel.
Eventually, 29 of us sat down to an excellent dinner.
Of those present, but not so far mentioned, I single out Sir Joe Atkinson, with daughter Charlotte, who entrained
from London, and were squeezed into the Waite‟s dinky little VW for the trip to the hotel. Joss Leclercq was
with us again, having driven from somewhere 2 plus hours south of Calais, as well as the bit north of Folkestone
to York. His Clio is obviously pretty durable, as it travels miles. Joss especially wanted to photograph Sir Joes‟s
log books, and to see his reaction when viewing the Ripon Branch of the Royal British Legion‟s Spitfire, finished
in Joe‟s numbers. So did we! Oh, and Alan Enser (Biggin Hill 1942) came from wild Wales – good to see him, as
he had been ill recently. I last met him at Waremme, years ago, when he occasionally vanished from the row of
seated 609 dignitaries. He was nipping round the back of the stand to visit a local café, in which he could have a
leak, and then be given a free coffee by the nice owner! Maurice Voase was there, with two minders, in the
shapes of his two sons, Brian and Alan, whom I‟d certainly never met. Joining us for the weekend were Judge
Ian Morris, and Mike Walker, whom were instrumental in organising the tribute in 2005 to Mac and Barry
Goodwin. These two young men, had joined 605 in 1939; Mac later moving to 609, but both being killed before
the end of August 1940. Last, but by no means least, and representing the jet age of 609, were Tom and Shirley
Greaves, whom we expected on Saturday, but came on the Friday instead. They were expecting to see Dave and
Anna Shaw. They‟d have needed mighty good eyes: they were still in Menorca! By this time we were over the
numbers of diners expected by the Hotel, so these last two split up – Shirley had the peaceful table, flanked by
Alison and Alan, whilst Tom got the exuberance of John and Pauline Collins et al. Honours were about even
come the end of the evening, but I reckon that Tom needed a good night‟s sleep afterwards!
On Saturday, Dave Lacy and Mark Fennell brought over the Squadron silver to grace the dining tables, but the
ladies, who had planned to laze away the morning whilst some of us went to the AGM, found themselves
polishing the stuff instead. Waiting at the YAM‟s gate to help with 609‟s admittance, I was surprised to see
Cathy Pashby and Derick Weatherill drive up in the motor home that had been parked outside the Parsonage
Hotel the night before. They were very good, using the Hotel‟s accommodation, rather than sneak aboard in the
darkness, and hope that the management hadn‟t seen them!
And the 609 Room had not one, but two Spitfire PR-A‟s outside it! One was our old faithful; the second was that
of the Ripon British Legion, with Chairman Howard Whiting present, plus the assembly team. This made for a
spectacular sight. One not lost on Joe Atkinson, who, when he saw the replica of his old Spitfire from December
1941, insisted that he get into the cockpit. Now Joe is not at his most nimble these days, but he made it. My, if
you thought that he looked pleased, it wasn‟t half of the feelings experienced by Howard Whiting. Later on, he
told me: “There were times when I was sure that we‟d made a huge mistake in building this replica. It proved far
more difficult than we‟d imagined, but finally it was
28.
finished, and here we are. And best of all, to see the expression on Sir Joe‟s face, as he sat there, in „his‟ Spitfire,
has just made everything worthwhile. I was speechless.”
Leaving Howard staggering around in a cloud of happy euphoria, those of us not engaged in silver polishing
adjourned to the Astra Cinema for the AGM. Blimey! Bring your own candles was the need for the day. A
floodlight illuminated the Officers, but the „congregation‟ were virtually in the dark. Only physically, you
understand. A close perusal of the back row revealed no groping, or other illicit liaisons, but a smattering of
happy sleepers had settled down for the duration. I can‟t reproduce the whole show here, but the nub of it was
that we are pretty solvent, well constituted, with an active membership, a Squadron that is maintaining the finest
traditions of 609, and that could someone please please please help the Secretary with his work load.
Time for a quick plea! There are never queues for the various Committee positions! Secretary has to be the most
onerous, as all enquiries go through Hugh, plus admin things, and minor operations (ha!), such as setting up the
venue for the AGM, meals accommodation, just everything. Yes, he gets help from Brian especially, and others
here and there. Now Al Parkes, bless him, has come forward to help with as much as he can, which will be a
great relief to Hugh. But, hey, look: if anyone reading this thinks: „Well, yes, I‟ve got a bit of free time now and
again, and I really do treasure 609, and want to do a bit for the Association – but just what can I do, or they
want?‟, well, don‟t let the idea rest there! Have a word with Hugh (number in the back) or Brian, or me, or
anyone on the Committee. Every little bit helps. Hugh has a full time job, grandchildren, works for the SSAFA,
609, and probably others whom I don‟t know about! He apparently needs sleep, food and family time – what an
unreasonable bloke, eh? Go on, have a think – even things like writing letters for him, and organising posting,
would be great. You get expenses, nae fear ye Scots/Yorkshire tightwads oot there! Oh Gawd, that‟s stuffed all
hope of help, hasn‟t it? Well, look, if you can help, say so. It would be really appreciated.
Quick plea over! Joss Leclecq had produced a PowerPoint presentation on his activities in France, but this
proved beyond the capabilities of the machinery available to project it. That was a blooming shame, as he was
reduced to holding up maps and the like, which did zero justice to his amazing enthusiasm – and successes – in
paying respect to the Allied airmen who fought and died over his country during the German occupation. I took
notes as he spoke, but, as this jobbie is going to be more than big enough, I‟ll wait until I can prize the
presentation out of him, and do his work justice. Joss, just let‟s say thanks to you now, for what you do, and how
much you care. Until you contemplate what it would feel like to have had the Wermacht wandering about over
here for four years, telling you how to run Leeds, or York, or London (they‟d never have conquered Royal
Tunbridge Wells, though, trust me!), then you can‟t appreciate the feelings of the French and Belgians, for whom
this was only too true.
Staggering out into the sunshine, we fell into the NAAFI, where one of the best turnouts for years had gathered.
Let‟s drop a few more names, eh?
Come and gone, whilst we were in the AGM, were Keith and Kathleen Gurney. I‟d said hello, then left them to
go round the Museum, during which Kathleen came over all unnecessary, as my Mum used to say. She sat for a
bit, but realised that her doc. was right; “Listen to what your body is telling you.” The message was: „Get me
home and lie me down, and don‟t hang about!‟ So they followed instructions, to Kathleen‟s intense annoyance.
These two are the ones who had looked after Pip Barran‟s grave in Lawnswood Cemetery, Leeds, for years, until
it became a bit much, and Martin Briggs with his 168 City of Leeds ATC subsequently took over. I later received
a livid letter, with smoke trails issuing from it, as she explained her predicament. Bad luck dear, you at least
made it, and we said hello. I didn‟t kiss you, did I? It never does Rosemary much good either, and she‟s used to
it!
Having mentioned Martin, the young fellow has done really well, for he located one of our illustrious early
airmen, namely Tommy Webb. He is a very upright, spry, fit looking man, who is supposed to be 90 -ish. Not
sure how you do this, Tommy – I am much younger, yet seem to have more bits falling of me than you do. Fresh
air and clean living, that must be the ticket. Tommy was an original B Flight man, and features in the personnel
list attached to the menu for the First Squadron Dinner, at the Leeds Metropole on 10th February 1937. AC2 T
Webb is one of 33 „B‟ Flight listed, along with AC2 A W (Bill) Smith.
609 (WR) Sqn Association Summer Reunion 2008
29.
◄ PR-A W3850
awaits her rightful
owner
Charlotte Atkinson
with her father Sir
Joe Atkinson KCB
DFC, who is about
to claim his own
►
Don‟t rush me, I‟m doing my best!
You need your parachute to sit on, Joe
Congratulations to the Ripon Branch of
the Royal British Legion for creating
this replica of the Spitfire, flown by Sir
Joe back in December 1941. Joe is
certain that the code letters are correct,
but isn‟t sure about PR-A. None of us
are quite sure about the red code letters,
but at least you can tell the two PR-A‟s
apart!
And no, Joe, it won‟t start……..
Bless me! It‟s Rev. Norman Berryman – he did, too.
With him are wife Isobel, Brian and Maurice Voase
Wing Commander Roy Stark with Peter Price and Helen
Lawson – still flying (just)
Where‟d we be without Desmond Park and his raffle?
His wife Hilary joined us for the first time –welcome!
30.
609 (WR) Sqn Association Summer Reunion 2008
From 609 at Manston in 1942 comes Alan Enser.He
was in the Sqn Rugby team
Eric Mountain, 1936 „B‟Flight man Tommy Webb, and New meets old, and has to shout! Sue (Mr. Vice) and
Martin Briggs, from 168 Leeds ATC
Ben Milligan with Pud Crowtther B Flight 36 and son Peter
◄ Mark Fennell, Billy,
young Hamish and
Sarah Trotter
Dave Lacy, PO Fay
Weldon; our man from
France, Joss Leclercq;
Pauline and John
Collins
►
F/Lt Jeff Metcalfe, John Matley, Doreen Marshall,
Jean Graham and Marcia Gadd
Martin Briggs; the man of the day, Hugh Mulligan, and Look out – it‟s the Boss! Brian Waite welcomes us all
Hilary Park
Wife Louise has nodded off already (heard it before)
President AVM Sandy Hunter accepts a framed set of
Pinkie Starks medals from his brother, W/Cdr Roy Stark
David Darley also presented a framed set of
G/Capt H S „George‟ Darley‟s medals
Sandy Hunter receives a photograph of Mac Goodwin, who died on 14th August
1940 in Spitfire PR-H
Mike Walker, nephew of Mac and Barry Goodwin, tells
us how the two brothers died in 1940
Friend of the Goodwin family, Judge Ian Morris reads a poem, composed as a
tribute to the two bothers
31.
The 44 in „A‟ Flight includes Cpl Wally Dixon and AC1 J D (Danby) Barber, along with old No 1, Jim
Thompson. All these good gentlemen are still with us, including Charles „Pud‟ Crowther, who joined in 1937,
Sgt Ian Lambie up in Scotland, and Ernie Barker, „C‟ Flight Ops. Clerk, who joined 609 in March 1939.
Jim was hoping against hope to make it, but admitted defeat at the 11th hour. Bitterly disappointed, his legs just
won‟t move him around anymore. He does now own an electric wheelchair, a racing version with 8 mile range
and 10 mph top speed, or vice versa. It sports RAF roundels… He was planning to drive it to Retford and back,
just about on the limit of his range. If you hear of a 42 tonne artic. crashing through a hedge near Retford, whilst
trying to avoid some old maniac screeching down the road, you‟ll know who it was. He badly misses contact
with old and new 609ers – phone him for a chat, he‟d just love that!
Danby has usually come under his own steam, but this year his daughter Diane brought him along; very good,
thank you! Tommy Webb came with his friend Eric Mountain, as well as Martin Briggs. Pud was once again
brought by his son Peter, whom I referred to as Alastair last year. Oh, come on, I was close! My apologies, Peter.
Thus we had Danby from „A‟ Flight, Tommy from „B‟, and I guess, with that number, Pud from „C‟. Pretty
good, gentlemen, pretty good.
Marjorie and John Crick (Biggin Hill 1941) had to cry off at the last moment, too. Marjorie can‟t cope with the
rigours of long journeys now, and Bradford to York was a mileage too far. At least we had the pleasure of your
company last year.
One who also couldn‟t make it was Victor Titherington. He too has legs that have gone AWOL on him, but
Christine was really worried that the rest of him was heading rapidly after them. Nevertheless, she was
there, and good to see you too. Thank the Lord, he rallied so quickly within a week or so, that you‟d not believe
that it was the same chap. His good friend, Desmond Park, did make it (pre-car crash state!) accompanied by
someone whom we had not seen before, namely Mrs Hilary Park. Her chance of doing nothing was nil, of course,
as she was roped into tombola/raffle sales amongst other things.
The Rev. Norman Berryman spoke briefly about the past deeds of 609, drawing a parallel with the present times,
where Squadron members are still involved in fields of conflict. He said a prayer for them, then Grace, after
which we sat down to a good lunch, waiter/waitress served, followed by toasts, speeches, and presentations. We
had to wrap things up in time for the BBMF‟s Spitfire at 15.25 hrs.
Opening the batting was Chairman, Brian Waite, who called upon Mr Vice Chairman, in this case Mrs Susan
Milligan, appointed for the day, to propose a toast to 609, then Absent Friends, then The Queen, and finally to
the King of the Belgians. I think that was the lot. I was standing up and sitting down so fast that my braces
developed a harmonic vibration.
After this, Brian invited Mike Walker to address the gathering, who proceeded to describe the events leading up
to the loss of the Goodwin brothers.
“We have to think back to 1940, with the fear of invasion from Germany, following the retreat from
Dunkirk. Many young men wanted to join the RAF at the time, Mac and Barry Goodwin being two of them.
The neighbour of the Goodwin family was Captain the Lord Lyttleton, better known as Viscount Cobham.
[Not Sir Alan Cobham, of Flying Circus fame –Ed.] Both boys flew before they were 16, actually failing
their RAF initiation exams later on, but, being so good at flying, were allowed in. Mac was the outgoing
and sociable brother, Barry both younger and more shy. Both were very popular, and were more practical
than academic at college. Barry competed at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb, in a couple of Frazer Nash‟s.
He broke the outright hill record during practice for an event in 1938. For some reason, he thought of
fitting an Avro 504 engine and propeller to the rear of a lorry flat bed, and needed friends to go ahead to
ensure that the road was clear before testing it. [This was some undertaking, for the 504 didn‟t just have a
radial engine, it was a rotary one. The entire engine, cylinders and all, spin with the prop. The engine runs
at constant speed, the throttle is simply an on/off switch. Pretty interesting effect on the back of a lorry!! –
Ed.]
32.
Mac rode to hounds, and would fly to events. At one location, the butler interrupted the lunch with the news
that “Cows have eaten Mr. Goodwin‟s aeroplane.” They had licked the dope and fabric off the wings, and
were all as high as kites. The aircraft went home on a lorry.
Being adventurous types, the brothers helped to build a swimming pool on their estate. Obtaining dynamite
illegally, they used it to save digging. It worked spectacularly well, making a vastly bigger than required
hole, and sending rubble 100 yards in all directions.
Both brothers joined 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron, flying Westland Wapitis and Gloster Gladiators.
Converting to Hurricanes in 1939, Mac reached Flying Officer status, Barry remaining a Pilot Officer.
Worried that they might die together, Mac transferred to 609 at Northolt in May, 1940, finding the “Tally
Ho!” battle cry very apt after his time at hunting.
Both were over Dunkirk. In one week 605 lost so many pilots that 19-year old F/O Mike Cooper wrote:
“My thoughts are so crowded. So many have been killed, but I seem untouched by it all.” On 24th June,
Barry was practicing a night landing, doing stall turns at 5,000 feet. A gun panel came off, and the aircraft
spun in, killing the 23-year old instantly. Mac overflew the funeral in his Spitfire, performing a victory roll.
Robs Lamplough emulated this, over the Remembrance Service at Chaddersley Corbett Church, on 14th
August 2005.
On 13th August 1940 – Eagle Day – George Darley led 13 Spitfires against a formation of Ju 87s and Me
110s. Flying as Red 2 in A Flight, Mac shot down two Ju 87s. All pilots returned safely. The 14th dawned
cloudy, and 609 at Middle Wallop was bombed, 3 airmen being killed when the hangar doors they were
trying to close came down on them. [See later article by Syd Richardson, who noted this too – Ed.] 609
gave chase, Mac in PR-H. He was seen to bale out 2 miles off Boscombe Pier, and the lifeboat went to find
him. Pilots at the time did not have the yellow dye that spread through the water around them, so the
lifeboat missed him and his body was recovered 10 days later. 19-year old sister Betty had lost her
brothers, and Laughton and Jessie mourned the death of their two sons.
Mike and his brother Barry are nephews of the Goodwin brothers, and were determined to remember their
passing. With help from their friend, Judge Ian Morris, they researched the events, undertook the Memorial
Service, and continue to spread the word concerning the valour, and ultimate sacrifice, paid by so many young
men during those times.
Ian Morris than read a poem that he had written, describing the actions of the brothers, their approach to life, and
death. It was a thought provoking moment. After this, Mike then presented Association President AVM Sandy
Hunter with a framed photograph of Mac Goodwin, in uniform.
Sandy was then in receipt of two other matched items. Wing Commander (Dr) Roy Stark had wanted to present
to the Association copies of the medals awarded to his late brother, Squadron Leader Pinkie Stark DFC*. I‟d had
the same idea as regards my father‟s medals, so acquired the requisite medals for both men. Pinkie had the Croix
de Guerre (Belg) avec Palme, and that proved beyond the abilities of my supplier to obtain. I contacted Belgium,
and Lt Col Dirk de Pillecyn rose to the challenge “Like a good infantryman!”
He found one within a week, and sent it as gift “from his grateful friends.” Well done Dirk – that was really kind
of you. A photo of each man sits above RAF wings (Kings and Queens Crowns), ribbon bars, the medals
themselves, and then the rank, name and service number of each. I presented my father‟s to Sandy Hunter first,
followed by Roy. They should end up hanging either side of the Roll of Honour Board in the 609 Room.
Squadron Leader Hilary Vincent-Philpot then had the pleasure of awarding the Alec Ingle Trophy 2008 to SAC
Mark Fennell. She was nice about him, too!
33.
“As most of us are aware by now the Alec Ingle Trophy is nominated by Officers and SNCO‟s to an
individual on the Sqn. The citation for this trophy reads as follows: „Awarded on an annual basis to the
serving member of 609 (West Riding) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, judged to have made an
outstanding contribution of individual achievement.‟
This individual has always displayed an excellent attitude, and this year he has not only had an outstanding
report on his deployment, but on his return he has continued to attend the Sqn and maintain the highest of
standards, making a significant contribution during Exercise OMEGA in the training up of our junior
gunners.
He joined the Sqn in Nov ‟05, having previously served in the RAF for a number of years. His enthusiasm
and professionalism was evident from the outset, and his performance during his mobilisation earned him
great praise from his peers, seniors and officers alike.
An extract from his report quite accurately reflects this thoroughly reliable airman: “SAC Fennell is an
outstanding character who has made a significant contribution to the operational effectiveness of No 3 Sqn
RAF Regt during his 12 month mobilisation. Immensely strong, both physically and mentally, he has used his
naturally outgoing and affable manner, plus a ready sense of humour, to reassure the younger members of
the Sqn, during frequent IDF attacks and patrols, in high threat environments. He has an outstanding work
ethic and command presence, and he has performed like a seasoned NCO; he personally oversaw the
movement of the entire Sqn armoury, including heavy weapons, from the UK to Iraq. An outstanding
performance.”
A credit to the RAuxAF, 609(WR) Sqn and himself, SAC Mark Fennell.”
Sir Joe Atkinson made the presentation. A rather bashful looking, but obviously thoroughly pleased Mark came
forward to collect the Shield, to prolonged applause. He was spared a speech! Sir Joe noted the achievements that
had been instrumental in Mark receiving the Shield, and that Mark was an excellent example of the finest
traditions of 609 (WR) Squadron. Brian Waite then took the opportunity to thank Hilary for her presentation, and
to wish her well in her future roles within the RAuxAF.
Fl Lt. Jeff Metcalfe then provided us with a description of the current deployment of the Squadron in the Middle
East. It seemed to be getting a bit lonely back at base! The Auxiliaries are certainly in demand, and essential for
the Army and RAF to function.
Fl Lt Mike Foster then us details of recruitment, training, charity events, and other „routine‟ events for the
Squadron. For the outsiders, it‟s really good to have these two presentations, for they clearly show how busy the
Squadron still is, how it trains, and how it keeps fit for purpose. Mike decided to curtail his presentation, in
respect of the pending arrival of the Spitfire. Brian thanked him, called the proceedings to a halt, and then
suggested that we adjourned for the flypast. No sooner had he uttered these words, at 15.20, when the roar of a
Merlin passing overhead caused a stampede! The BBMF is always accurate to the second, so a wire or two must
have crossed in the timing of the event.
Never mind, Fl. Lt Alan Parkinson at the controls of AB910, the Flight‟s Merlin powered Vb, put on an excellent
show. Five or six passes, plus a final waggle of his wings, as he left. Alan, if you read this (the Boss gets it, and
might let you have a peek over his shoulder), huge thanks from the lot of us. Heaven has to be two Spitfires on
the ground, one in the air (with the right engine), and a fine display. Great stuff! It might be all in the day‟s work
for you -though anyone who flies a Spitfire can‟t really believe that - but it does mean a huge amount to those of
us down below, and long may you enjoy flying them. Thanks again.
About the final act was for me to balance on a table, and to take the group photograph, without plunging to the
ground. This year, I had a picnic bench, which didn‟t sink into the soil as have previous chairs. The results you
will see for yourselves. Never can find me in any of them; odd, that!
Personally, I enjoyed this year‟s event better than any that I can recall. We had pre-war, wartime, post war, jet
age and current Squadron members, and good numbers of friends and family. It just worked a
34.
treat. But this is when you have to appreciate how it all came together. Meetings between Hugh, Brian and others
took place in the autumn of 2007. The leads for accommodation had to be followed up, rooms booked, and then
Elvington had to agree. The event had to be promoted, by separate letter to my newsletter. The BBMF had to be
asked to supply a Spitfire, budgets had to be agreed, menus chosen, AGM venue booked, reports collated, table
plans made (a nightmare worthy of a book!), lists of attendees provided for the gate at the YAM, the Legion
Spitfire invited, The Squadron silver to organise. It goes on. We simply turned up, and had a whale of a time.
Easy! Only easy because of the diligent, and absolutely meticulous work that was co-ordinated and steered by
Secretary Hugh Mulligan. A man who can Multi Task! Aw, come on, we can‟t do it! He can, the turncoat….He
is, oh, the proverbial duck, gliding serenely along, but with legs in a blur under water. Or the iceberg, only 10%
of his cool exterior visible, whilst a whopping 90% more drifts along underneath. No, that one doesn‟t work; I‟ll
stick to the duck. Anyway, thanks Hughie!! Without you, we would simply not have had the event.
…………………………………………………………………
609 (WR) Squadron Association Reunion 2009
Hold the front page! By nearly unanimous decision, we will be returning to the Yorkshire Air Museum for our
2009 reunion on Saturday 4th July 2009. 3 single and sixteen double rooms have been put on hold at the
Parsonage Hotel, Escrick, once again, for Friday night, 3rd July. The price per double is £140 to include
dinner, bed and breakfast, as per this year. Singles are £70 for the Friday, though if anyone chooses to stay in one
on Saturday as well, then this will be £95. To ensure your place, please ring the Parsonage Hotel on 01904
728111, fax 01904 728151. Email address: [email protected] or [email protected]
Their cancellation policy is a generous one, so its safe to book now.
Reservations concerning the food at Elvington have been raised, and whilst this year it was vastly better than a
frankly dreadful buffet a couple of years ago, the Committee will be in discussion with the caterers at the YAM,
to achieve the desired quality and quantities.
Being the 4th July, you will all be expected to wear Stars and Stripes T shirts, and we will have a Mustang, not a
Spitfire. And little pink piggies might fly, too!
Other events for 2009
I type this before the meeting at which these things will be decided. Belgium in May, maybe a visit to Leeming,
once the new OC has been selected and settled in, these are mooted. More details will follow. The Stoop
meeting is the first Monday of October: the 5th. 2008‟s is on 6th October!!
…………………………………………………………………..
Tale Spin 2
Peter Price is a regular supporter of the Association activities, and sent me some background a year or so ago. I
think that I‟ll have to give up apologising for this sort of delay! I‟ll be at it all day, otherwise.
He met his late wife, Amy, at a blind date, and they had sixty wonderful years together. She came from
Dewsbury, her family being high class tailors. They were also friends of the Barran family, and used to meet
socially. Amy also happened to be in the Voluntary Reserve. Through dances in Leeds and Harrogate, she met
quite a few of the original 609 pilots, including John Dundas and Pip Barran. Whilst Amy didn‟t volunteer much
of her war year‟s activities, she would tell Peter and son John of the fun that they all had at dances and parties,
before the war. She did some VR service with the WRAF at Church Fenton, too. She asked her father for a bike,
it being a fair distance from home. Never having ridden one before, brakes were unknown to her. She finally
crashed into the Guardroom, flattening a few sentries. After this she was nicknamed “Sturmy Archer”, after the
gears of the same name!
She could apparently outshoot and outfish Peter, and they loved potholing. No wallflower, then! Amy was shown
the location of Pip Barran‟s grave by Keith and Kathleen Gurney, and subsequently visited it frequently. One of
her last acts before she died was to send 350 bars of soap out to the troops in Iraq.
35.
Peter came to know about 609, having read “Under the White Rose”. They flew top cover to the Hurricane
Squadron that he was eventually attached to. Peter initially spent three years of hard training with the Gordon
Highlanders, and the Norwegian Army, learning how to survive behind enemy lines. The latter were sent down
to Romney Marsh, in Kent, to one of the new Mobile Airfields, No 125. Peter was Station Sergeant, and
supposed to help lay out and operate this airfield, and, despite being “A country lad who couldn‟t make the Pilot
Grade” knew all about prevailing winds, drainage, camouflage, and air defence. He set out all the tents, and
parked the vehicles properly, then had little to do. He became attached to 184 Sqn, flying old but serviceable
Hurricanes, fitted with 4 60 lb rockets. When doing a sweep over France, their Ops. Clerk would ask for 609 to
provide fighter cover, rendezvous being over Beachy Head. Auxiliary Sqns 602 and 604 flew from 125 Airfield
as well.
Peter was invalided out of the RAF in 1943, being particularly allergic to the sun. His niece, Helen Lawson, who
accompanies him to reunions, gained her private pilot‟s licence through the University of Nottingham University
Air Squadron.
……………………………………………….
More from Grant Matthews, who sent me a letter from Syd Richardson. Syd is brother to the late Eddie
Richardson, a talented footballer, who played for 609. The two brothers are Grant‟s uncles, as Eddie married
Grant‟s aunt, Rita, during the war. Syd wrote to Grant as follows:
“Eddie and I had a good war, as really the only time we were in danger was when I was flying, and when
Eddie was at Salerno, after the landings.
I joined B Flight with 609 in November 1936, whilst Eddie didn‟t join C Flight until September 1937. Our
first Summer Camp was at Ramsgate Aerodrome, in Bell Tents around the perimeter. I originally trained as
an F.A.E., later changing to a Fitter 11E. Summer Camp in July 1938 was at Thorney Island in Chichester
Harbour, Sussex, and still in bell tents. By then, Eddie was training as an armourer.
In late July 1939, Summer Camp was at Church Fenton, and we still had our Hawker Hind biplanes, though
now switched from a Light Bomber to a Fighter Squadron. We were mobilised on 24th August 1939, and
reported to Yeadon at 1200 hrs. On 27th August we moved, without aircraft, to Catterick Aerodrome. Here
we began to re-equip with Spitfire 1‟s, so the pilots had to convert, using Fairey Battles. At Catterick, I fell
off a gantry, whilst working on an engine, damaging my right arm. Hospitalized for 3 weeks, I missed the
move to Acklington, and then to Drem in Scotland. I rejoined at Drem in early October 1939, and then the
Sqn moved to Kinross on the Moray Firth, where we stayed over Christmas 1939.
We moved back to Drem about March 1940, and then down to Northolt in May 1940. Here we converted the
Spitfires from fixed to two speed propellers. Eddie left us at this point, to go on a Fitter Armourers Course,
and I did not see him again until 1944 at Church Fenton.
609 moved to Middle Wallop when the balloon went up in France. We went to Warmwell for a time, and lost
most of our original pilots, replacing them with Americans, Poles and Belgians.
I rejoined 609 at Middle Wallop, in time to be bombed by a Ju88. Three of our chaps were killed, Bob Smith,
Harry Thorley and Ken Wilson, as they tried to close the hangar doors, one of these falling on them. [In
response to this, Mac Goodwin took off in PR-H, and fatally ditched off Boscombe – Ed.] 609 were then
posted to Biggin Hill. I was posted to West Kirby on 15th July 1941 for service overseas. I was by now a
Corporal. We were sent to Liverpool, and issued with pith helmets, so we were sure that we were going to the
Far East.
We boarded the S.S. Rauhime, and joined a convoy, not knowing where we were going, and most of us didn‟t
care as we were sea-sick. Five days later we landed at Halifax in Canada, so at least we now knew where we
were going. Straight on to a train, and four days later we landed at North Battleford, which was a small town
in Saskatchewan, with a brand new air station called 35 SFTS to train pilots.
36.
Not long after we settled in, I was promoted to Sergeant, in charge of a hangar servicing Oxford aircraft. I
did a fair bit of flying there, and we were based in the middle of very flat and bare country.
I was repatriated to the UK after 22 months in Canada, and, after a week‟s leave, was posted to Manby in
Lincolnshire, which was the Central Bomber School, equipped with long nosed Blenheim 1V‟s. These were
changed for Wellingtons, fitted with Hercules sleeve-valve engines. I was with one of the operating flights,
this being in 1943, and whilst there did a fair bit of flying. Getting severe headaches whilst there, the Station
MO diagnosed a need for glasses, which worked a treat. On an air test one day with a pilot to check an
engine defect, I looked out of the starboard side, in time to see two other Blenheims collide, two hundred
yards away, and go in with no survivors.
After the invasion the Station Commander, Air Commodore Bush, got an Avro Anson for his own use, and we
fitted some seats into it; I was in effect made the Flight Engineer. The OC used the plane to review bomb
damage, as the war progressed across Europe, seeing what Bomber Command had achieved, at such great
cost. In the absence of Duty Crews at forward airfields, I‟d do the servicing. I saw the V3 site at
Mimoyecques, near Calais; never used after 617 had destroyed it. Demob finally came at Cardington on 24th
Sept 1945, after 6 years and one month of service. I met my future wife, May, whilst on demob leave.
Brother Eddie, older than me, completed his Armourers Course, and, now a Corporal, went to a Commando
Course in Scotland, emerging as a Sgt. Servicing Commando. He joined a Squadron embarking for Italy,
arriving at Salerno to set up an air-strip to service fighters. They were often shelled, and lost a few bods.
Posted home to Fairwood Common, he went into France to support and service fighters, as the war moved
forward. Ranked Flight Sergeant, he too was demobbed at Cardington at end-August 1945.”
Eddie Richardson‟s son, Peter, is currently teaching English to German servicemen, amongst other things, and
works for NATO. Syd Richardson is certainly still with us. He never joined the Association “as I wasn‟t keen on
that sort of thing.” Cpl John Foster at 609 is the Transport Manager within Leeds Social Services Department,
and Syd Richardson was one of his drivers in the Meals and Wheels Service. Syd now needs a driver himself, to
drive him on the rounds.
……………………………………………………………
The 609 Room Collection of Orde Prints
These are not all by Cuthbert Julian Orde. Mark Crame identified them for me. Bee Beamont and Michael
Robinson were taken from colour portraits in oil, also by Orde. Those below are charcoal drawings.
Noel Agazarian, Michael Appleby, Joe Atkinson, I J Davies, Charles Detal, John Dundas, Moose Evans, Manu
Geerts, Frank Howell, Cheval Lallemant, Bee Beamont, Peter Raw, Paul Richey, Pinkie Stark, Johnny Wells,
Michael Robinson, and Frank Zeigler are original Ordes. George Darley is a copy of the original, lost when the
roof of the Museum, in which it was on temporary display, fell on it! Air Commodore Harald Peake was painted
by Dugdale, and 609 airman Dougie Ward drew Darkie Hanson, Pat Thornton-Brown and Pip Barran. Unusually,
two NCO‟s were drawn by Orde as well: Corporal F H Appleby, injured in the raid on Middle Wallop on 14th
August, and Corporal A P Rabbidge, an original „A‟ Flight man.
……………………………………………………………
Keith Bramley was a gentleman for whom I had no information. No longer! He was a National Serviceman,
who volunteered to join 609 after his two years. Turns out that Harry Myers, long term resident in New Zealand,
and friend of Victor Titherington, is his cousin.
Keith joined 609 at Church Fenton in April 1952. He was sent to Hornchurch, to train as a pilot, but “Didn‟t take
to it.” He was then assigned to National Service in August 1952, did 12 months, and then transferred back to
Church Fenton for his second year. He became an Auxiliary upon demob, and was Ops Room Clerk from 1953
to 1957.
37.
609 (WR) Sqn Association Summer Reunion 2008
Outgoing 609 OC Sq/Ldr Hilary Vincent-Philpot reads the citation for the 2008 recipient‟s award of the Alec Ingle Shield. Sir Joe Atkinson is pleased to
present the Shield to SAC Mark Fennell. Mark seemed unable to hear the request for drinks all round!
A Squadron Leader face off! Brian Waite thanks Hilary for her help and support
during her command, and wishes her well for her future career in the RAuxAF
One happy bunny, and so he should be. Well done, Mark: that citation shows
how worthy a recipient you are. Kept that wallet locked though - good man!
To the left, Danby Barber with his daughter Diane beside him, then Charles “Pud” Crowther in the centre, and on the right, Tommy Webb
Some Reserves! Don‟t worry, chaps, we‟ll let you off this time round. These three started their time with 609 seventy two years ago. All three Flights are represented:
Danby is A Flight, Pud in the centre is C Flight, and Tommy on the right is B Flight. Danby and Tommy are on the attendees list of the first formal dinner at the Metropole
Hotel, Leeds, 10th February 1937. Pud is the baby here, joining in 1937. Savour this photo, everyone – I most certainly do
609 (WR) Sqn Association Summer Reunion 2008
38.
Alan Senior OBE with Marcia Gadd represented 3609
along with Ursula Granaham and Doreen Marshall
Mike Walker with Al Parkes, whose good idea it was to
invite him and Ian Morris
Fl/Lts Mike Foster and Jeff Metcalfe with 609‟s Hon
Air Commodore Simon Bostock
Contemplating a late sign up is that charming man,
Tom Foster. His son isn‟t too bad either!
SAC‟s Dave Lacy and Mark Fennell
Fay Weldon points out a blot on the landscape,
one Dez Robinson. We know, Fay, we know!
Family corner. On the left, Linda, Andrew and Al Parkes, with Darren Webster. In the centre, Mark Fennell chats to Billy Trotter, son Hamish is on the bottle next to
Mum, Sarah Trotter. On the right are Jo, Verity and a rather worried looking Jeff Metcalfe. In the background, William de Goat heads for the kitchens……
That magnificent man, in his
even more magnificent flying
machine, begins his run in from
the west. If there is a better
sound in the air than a Rolls
Royce Merlin, I have yet to hear
it!
►
Fl/Lt Alan Parkinson at the
controls of the Battle of
Britain Memorial Flight
Spitfire Vb AB910. You lucky
man!
▼
39.
Arthur Hudson was his first CO. Keith remembers some of the then current pilots. Malcolm Slingsby “Was a
cheery, handsome man.” Steve Lerche used to drive an SS100 Jaguar, in which he was prone to stand up in the
open door, saluting as he drove round in circles. Dave Marrable owned a 1934 AC, a triple carburettor 6
cylinder machine, bought for £220. He was a most approachable man. Victor Titherington was then driving a
1931 Riley 9, and, as Keith had no transport, but both lived in Bradford, would be given a lift in by Victor.
Keith remains amazed that all these events and memories are from over 50 years ago.
…………………………………………………
I have been mailing Air Commodore John Bell OBE for some years now, despite not being quite sure why! So
I enquired as to his connection with 609, and he sent me the following letter:
“In November 1978 I was posted to reactivate RAF Church Fenton, which had been closed for 5 years or
so. It became operational again in March 1979, and I commanded it as the base for No 7 Flying Training
School (FTS), equipped with Mk 3A and 5A Jet Provosts. My initial plans and activities focused on
operational essentials, and I gave low priority to the proper Officers Mess, especially as I was able to
create and operate an acceptable substitute within the base. Very soon after I had started work, when I was
approached by a 609 delegation, headed by the redoubtable Darkie Hanson!
He asked me if, when I got around to doing the proper Officers Mess, I would reinstate the 609 Room.
Suddenly, I realised that I was being told to review my priorities! Anyway, as soon as he and his colleagues
had told me of the splendid history of 609, and where Church Fenton featured, I became as enthusiastic as
anyone to help boost its memory. In particular, because I believed that, in the context of an FTS, it would
be an excellent example for the young men whom I was training to become operational pilots. This would
be a link between the operational side of the RAF, and its connections to the part of England in which they
were based.
So, I gladly agreed to develop a 609 Room in the permanent Officers Mess. I advanced the date in my
overall schedule of Works Services, and involved both PSA and my own Station Services Squadron in
working with Darkie and his friends. We thus had a suitably decorated, well appointed and equipped room
in what had originally been the Snooker Room, and later the Ladies Room. It became an additioanl anteroom, in which Officers could browse through the ample memorabilia provided. I used it additionally as a
Function Room, in which I staged Receptions and Dinners for various notables, including, of course, the
609 worthies. I was delighted that the Earl of Scarborough, a founder of the original Squadron, was able to
perform the Opening Ceremony.
Thus began my linkage with 609 Squadron Association. I handed over command of Church Fenton to
Group Captain Ken Briggs in December 1980. My career continued via RCDS in 1981, then the MoD in
1952-85, and finally Biggin Hill 1985-89, as AOC and Commandant of the Officer and Aircrew Section
centre. I stayed in touch with the Association both by returning to Yorkshire for some happy events, such as
Annual Reunion Dinners, and sad ones, such as some inevitable funerals. I also helped to stage some
occasions in the Mess at Biggin Hill, which was conveniently placed for many of the great names who had
moved to the South. I especially remember working with (Secretary) Archie Graham on one lunch, which
involved Roly Beamont and Stephen Beaumont, amongst others. (This included myself, my father George
Darley, Jean Graham, John and Pam Bisdee, and Stephens partner, Pam. It was to celebrate Stephen‟s 80th
birthday, and a flight in a twin engined job had been arranged as a surprise! –see photo pages. Ed.)
It is curious that I have been Station Commander at Church Fenton, and AOC at Biggin Hill, both of which
featured so strongly in 609‟s illustrious past. My wife and I are regular worshippers at St. George‟s RAF
Chapel of Remembrance, and I note the large extent to which 609 occupies space on the Readers; sure
testament to its heavy involvement where fighting was thickest
40.
I believe that you and I met first and maybe the only time, at your father‟s funeral at Tunbridge Wells
Crematorium. (Also earlier, I believe – Ed). That was a suitably staged occasion to pay our last respects to
a most distinguished Officer.
That tour d‟horizon encompasses my involvement with 609; I hope that you find it useful.”
It most certainly is, John, and thank you. I remember my first 609 reunion. I was doing driving duties for Dad, at
the June 1989 Reunion Dinner. I believe that I sat next to the CO – a really nice, articulate man, but deeply
troubled! His Jet Provosts were down to four serviceable, his hangar load of replacement Tucanos were not to be
touched, and he was at his wits end in knowing how to train and motivate his young pilots. BOAC et al were
offering them vastly bigger salaries, and how was he going to give them enough air time with insufficient
aircraft? We had a long and passionate conversation over dinner, albeit mostly one sided! He kept apologising
for complaining, but it wasn‟t necessary – I felt so sorry for him, and, as he had to get it off his chest, I made a
sympathetic listener. Who was that much oppressed man?
As a PS, John Collins sent me a small advertisement cut from the Yorkshire Post this year. It reads: “Expressions
of Interest Invited for RAF Church Fenton Former Officers‟ Mess Site. Approx. 3.1 hectares (7.7 acres), suitable
for C2, B1, Leisure or Tourism use, subject to planning permission.” An aerial shot of the site was included. So,
not only bulldozed away, but about to be buried as well. RIP! More of Church Fenton a bit further on, in articles
from Martin Briggs and Paul Hudson. Photos on the back, too
………………………………………………………………….
Another person who must wonder why on earth they bothered to write to me is Frances (Mary) Ingle. She wrote
me a rather sad letter (I‟m not going to tell you how long ago!), explaining that she could no longer attend
Reunions. Travelling had simply become too much for her.
Mary, I had the decency to pass on your message, but I think – I know – that I stopped there. Oh woe, oh shame,
oh what a twit! One thing that I can be relieved about is that Alec‟s Trophy is still presented, and much
appreciated by the recipients, on an annual basis. Also, I tell you about it in this fine publication. Am I excused,
please?
………………………………………………………………………
Chris Goss (now a Wing Commander) wrote in response to Sandy Hunter‟s article about the shooting down of
Helmut Wick. I confess to a degree of bewilderment as to who was where in the queue to shoot each other
down, but Chris politely preferred his version. Either Eric Marrs of 152 Sqn shot down Helmut Wick, or John
Dundas – balance of probability favours the latter. Whoever shot Wick down was in turn shot down by Rudi
Pflanz, the JG2 Geschwader TO. Jules Meimberg probably shot down Sgt Zygmunt Klein of 152 Sqn.
Despite all of this, Chris notes that „what exactly happened [was] unclear, and no one can be 100% sure as to
who did what.‟ Phew, that‟s a relief; I just thought that I was being thick! Sandy declares that if he had to put
money it (and we are talking about a Scot here, mind) then he‟d back Chris‟s version of events. Sandy concludes
„My original statement was that: “I am inclined to think that…” which would not see me in gaol for deliberately
misleading the public!‟
I heard from Chris that he flew with (then) Wing Commander Hunter, OC 18 Sqn, when Chris was a humble
APO in Gutersloh, in 1980.
………………………………………………………………
Rothbury in Northumberland is a famous place. First, it has the Rothbury RAF Benevolent Fund Home.
Secondly, it was entirely marooned by floods in early September. Thirdly, the Best Traditional Business
Regional Winner for the North East of England 2008 was Tully‟s Food Shop, Rothbury. Fourthly, Sandy and
Wilma Hunter live there, in the Old Doctor‟s House. Does that mean that the Doc. still lives there, but is very
old, and still prefers leeches to open heart surgery?
………………………………………………………………
609 (WR) Sqn Association Summer Runion 2008
41.
Mark Fennell falls foul of best Yorkshire beef, so Dr Dave Lacy gives him a quick check up. Fee £150!
AVM Sandy Hunter with Pud and Peter Crowther
Ursula Granahan and Doreen Marshall want a go!
AC Simon Bostock and wife Lynn with Mike Walker
Ian Morris and Mike Walker reflect upon a good day.
Wow! Well here goes, from the left. You might have to use your imagination a bit. Charlotte Atkinson, Rev Norman Berryman, Sir Joe Atkinson, Joan Stark, Roy Stark,
Martin Briggs, Isobel Berryman, Peter Price, Helen Lawson, Alan Enser, Museum Director Ian Reed, Desmond Park, Simon Bostock, Maurice Voase, Darren Webster,
Lynn Bostock, Pud Crowther, John Matley, Derick Weatherill, Mike Walker, Peter Crowther (dark glasses to help you!) Rosemary Darley beside him, Cathy Pashby
directly in front on front row, Tom Overton, Ian Morris, Jean Hobbs, Jean Graham, Ken Hobbs , Brian Waite, Doreen Marshall, Marcia Gadd, Dez Robinson (just!), Wilma
Hunter back row, Ursula Granahan, Alison Robinson, Louise Waite, Sandy Hunter, Diane (Danby‟s daughter), Eric Mountain, Danby Barber, Joss Leclercq back row, Al
Parkes beside him, Tommy Webb in front of him, Mike Foster, Mike Senior in back row, Tom Foster, Alan Senior, Jo Metcalfe, Sarah Trotter holding Hamish, Ben
Milligan partly hidden, Sue Milligan, Jeff Metcalfe in white shirt, Hilary Vincent-Philpot , Verity Metcalfe in red dress, Billy Trotter, one eye of Fay Weldon,
mostly hidden behind Mark Fennell, Hugh Mulligan in shades, Dave Lacy, Christine Titherington and Linda Parkes. Not in it are Keith and Kathleen Gurney (Medical
Discharge!), Darley the Photo, Hilary Park, Andrew Parkes, John and Pauline Collins (where did you go?). Phew! Did all that from memory, so E and OE accepted.
42.
RAF Biggin Hill circa 1990, to celebrate S/Ldr Stephen Beaumont‟s 80th birthday
(Organised by correspondent Air Commodore John Bell)
L-R. Archie Graham, George Darley, Bee Beamont, Stephen Beaumont, John
Bisdee, and I assume OC Biggin Hill, AC John Bell OBE. We had met before!
609‟s fallen: Chestnut, Bramble, Bennett, Dawson, Davis,
Curchin, Cropper, Hill, de Grunne, MacSherry, Mercer, PersseJoynt, Palmer, Spallin and Leslie
The St Georges Memorial Chapel at Biggin Hill, altar flanked by Roll of Honour Boards
Angel cradles a Spitfire
The surprise – a flight! Stephen bids farewell to his partner Pam,
then said to us all: “You buggers!” And then enjoyed it immensely
The first 609 Room, RAF Church Fenton, 1979 to closure in June 1991
[Compare these with the photos on the back page]
A decent gate guardian too, Spitfire Vb PR-O
Entrance lobby: Paintings are a Tucano and a Jet Provost Fireplace has a small mounted gas cylinder on left; was
Air Com Bell made a fine job of decorating the Mess this a trophy like the Hunting Horns? Note Wootton prints
Bee Beamont, Michael Robinson and John Dundas
Orde oils above scrap book. All have been sold – only
Harald Peakes portrait remains with 609
Orde charcoal prints above a scrap book in cabinet
Intrepid Birdman! George Darley in entrance way. His
portrait was extreme top left.
43.
Dez Robinson sent a story and photo concerning a presentation to Alison and himself, on February 19th this
year, of a certificate. SaBRE (Support for Britain‟s Reservists and Employers) had initiated the event, and Dez
sent me the following:
“The presentation was at Endcliff Hall in Sheffield, and it went very well. The Hall is a fine establishment,
and was given to the MoD by the previous owners.
We arrived at the same time as the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, who was to make the presentations.
We thought it best to let him go in first, so not wishing to be rude, so stood by his car door until he had made
his entrance. An us and them job, really!
Once we reached the reception, we were greeted, and handed a sherry; sadly, not a dry fino that we are
partial to now and again. (Can‟t beat best British Emva Cream Sherry, can you? – Ed.)
The Lord Lieutenant at present is David Moody, and in all he presented ten Lord Lieutenant‟s Certificates, as
well as two to the SaBRE organisation. Usual thing. (Usual? We lot don‟t move in these circles, Dez! – Ed.)
A military band played “God save the Queen” as we all stood to take the salute. Then it was soft music on
the staircase (that is, if you can get soft with a military band), while we went upstairs to the hot buffet. We
have never seen as many curries in one place as there were on offer before us! A most enjoyable evening.
Next jaunt was to the Cutlers Hall in Sheffield, with guest speaker General (or Major General) Sir Mike
Jackson, once head of the Army. Blast, I ought to have done my research! Never mind, they only wear green.
Finally, our last jaunt, this one in March, to have dinner with Lord Carthorne, the Lord Lieutenant of North
Yorkshire, at the Royal Armoury in Leeds. You know, I thought that this sort of thing would all end when I
left 609, but not so. You see, it‟s who you know that counts – I am the decorator for Sir Hugh Neill, the now
retired Lord Lieutenant!”
………………………………………………………….
The late David Marrable had sent me a photo of the dispersal at Yeadon, taken in 1951, he believed. The
Spitfires in the line bear the „RAF‟ identity letters, which were issued when the Squadron reformed after the war.
They were soon changed back to PR. I don‟t ever remember seeing this before, so reproduce it elsewhere.
The letter was dated 2005, and David believed that he was the last post-war Association member to have flown
Spitfires. Yes, he was.
I read that Vickers Supermarine gave their Spitfires Roman numerals up to the Mk X1X, after which they used
Arabic numerals from the Mk 20 to the last of the line, the Mk 24. This is undoubtedly true, but why change, I
wonder?
………………………………………………….
Career Profiles
Andrew Ogden
Andrew first saw the light of day in Harrogate on 28th July 1930. His first school was at Sedbergh, and here he
first met Pete Hodgson. Pete, otherwise nicknamed “The Ox” because of his stature, ideally suited
to Rugby at which he excelled, was to join Andrew later in 609. You will have read how he used to charge the
„erks‟ as he returned to dispersal in his Meteor.
Andrew then went to the Bradford College of Textiles, and, in 1953, had to do his National Service, at OCTU at
Kirton on Lindsey. He did his Initial Flying Training on Harvard‟s, at Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan, Canada. As
per Tom Kerr, earlier. He progressed to Lockheed T33 jet trainers at Gimli in Manitoba.
44.
Returning to the UK, he underwent gunnery training at Pembrey in Wales, flying Vampires. The followed a
conversion to Meteors, at Weston Zoyland. This enabled him to join 609 (WR) Squadron in 1955. Andrew notes
that “I am just visible on the photo of the Esher Trophy Presentation Parade, by the Earl of Scarborough, to CO
Tommy Evans in 1955. I think that I was the very last National Service pilot to join the Squadron. I married Liz
in 1956, son Warren was born in 1958, and Kate in 1962.”
You will have read, in Dave Shaw‟s appreciation of his pal Malcolm Hargreaves, that they both came to 609 via
the National Service route. Dave said how lucky they were to have benefitted from full RAF training with the
regular Air Force. Whilst he didn‟t elaborate on this, you can see what the RAF was prepared to do for someone
who might have rushed off after their two years of National Service. Andrew had exactly the same experience.
Quite extraordinary.
It is a hell of a contrast to the experience of a young Greek, whom I met on holiday this year. Greeks all have to
do a year of National Service, and he joined the Army “to learn how to drive tanks, shoot guns, everything.” Not
a chance. They left him on kitchen and barrack cleaning duties for a year, paid him €40 a month, and spent a year
demotivating him. He now hates his military, his politicians and his flag!
After the Auxiliaries were wound up in 1957, Andrew worked for a while with Illingworth Morris at Salts
(Saltaire). He moved to Ireland in 1965, as part of Salts (Ireland) Ltd Management team, when this was sold to
Sunbeam Wolsey Ltd, of Co. Cork. He became Technical Director of Phoenix Yarns, Cashel Textiles and Harp
Textiles from 1971 to 1978. “I then started my own business, Craftspun Yarns Ltd. in 1978, finally retiring in
1996.”
Andrew lists a somewhat diverse – and possibly perverse! – collection of retirement interests. Freeman of the
Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. Freeman of the City of London. Council member of the Kildare
Archaeological Society. Committee member of the Industrial Heritage Association of Ireland. Member of the
British Sundial Society. [See what I mean? – Ed.] He is a keen sailor (aka Malc. Hargreaves], keeping a boat in
Baltimore, West Cork. He remains an unwilling gardener!
…………………………………………………
Desmond Park
Desmond tells me that he was with the RAF Regiment up until 1947. He then made his way to 609 (WR)
Squadron at Yeadon, where he became a Corporal in the MT Section. He described these as “Very happy days.”
Reading a letter from Paul Hudson, he mentions being given a lift to Leeds “By Paddy, an auxiliary member of
609 and the camp barber.” Ah! That explains why he was cutting Pete Hodgson‟s hair in the photo that I have
printed - again, I‟m afraid, but it‟s a lovely shot. The Paddy can‟t have been Paddy White: no, Desmond, you
were that Mr Teasy-Weasy! (Young readers, ask your parents…)
Remaining with the Squadron up to disbandment of the Auxiliaries in 1957, Desmond then spent a year and a
half with the RAFVR. In 1959 he made a move to the 7th Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment, otherwise
known as The Leeds Rifles. Here he met Victor Titherington who was based with the 8th Battalion. Victor was
an RSM, Desmond a Sergeant, and they spent many a happy day in each others company in the Sergeants Mess.
Young Dave Shaw was a Captain with the 7th Battalion. A fact that I had forgotten, but it explains the three‟s
friendship over the years.
Desmond first attended a 609 reunion in 1979, and has managed to continue with them ever since. He arrived a
bit battered for this last one, but, he was there!
………………………………………………………
Tom Kerr
He probably sent me this in 2000! No, not quite that bad. He joined the RAF on 29th July 1942, and was kitted
out and given his jabs at the Aircrew Reception Centre in London. Suitably attired, he was sent to the Initial
Training Wing in Cambridge “with all the other non-swimmers!”
He was graded for ability at the Elementary Flying School there, and was then moved to the nicely abbreviated
ACDC in Manchester. That is actually the Aircrew Despatch Centre: in those days ACDC didn‟t mean what it
does now! Anyway, they despatched Tom to 31 Personnel Despatch Centre, in what
45.
looks like Manston, but the Canadian one. This led to 31 Elementary Flying School in Saskatchewan, name of
aircraft indecipherable, and then on to 41 Service Flying Training School in nearby Weyburn,
flying Harvard‟s. A move was then made in 1 Operational Training Unit in Baggotville, Quebec, where he flew
Hurricanes. Did you ever get a chance to unpack, Tom? Sounds like „a new day, a new airfield.‟
After thoroughly „doing‟ Canada, Tom arrived back in Blighty, and found himself at 7 Personnel Reception
Centre in Harrogate. They shot him off to 57 OTU to convert to Spitfires. “Did we say Spitfires? No, we meant
Typhoons!” Clutching his unopened suitcase, Tom went to 1 Tactical Exercise Unit at Tealing, in Scotland, then
on to 3 TEU at Annan, near Dumfries. [This subsequently became Chapelcross Nuclear Power Station, no doubt
closed now by our far-sighted political masters, who will be relying on that nice Mr. Putin to send us the means
of keeping our lights on - Ed.] The only thing missing from Tom‟s Typhoon experience at these two places were
any signs of a Typhoon…..
In search of aircraft, Tom and his suitcase made their way to 26 OTU at Little Horwood, after which he joined a
Hurricane Wing for fighter affiliation. Just in case he felt settled, he was sent to 35 OTU to convert to –
Typhoons! Suitably converted, he was then plonked down at Lasham in Hampshire, with 84 Ground Support
Unit, where he twiddled his thumbs for ages. Suddenly he found himself at Warmwell with 198 Squadron, for a
rocket and bombing course. Then the war ended!
This is when he caught up with 609, then based at airfield B11C at Wunstorf. The Squadron then returned to
Lasham, to a) pass Air Commodore William de Goat over to a local farmer, and b) disband. They did it without
Tom. “As I was taxiing out to take off, an Australian Flight Lieutenant, not looking where he was going, ran into
the back of me and chopped up my rudder. My plane was scrapped out there in Germany, and I came home in an
Anson. His plane was OK. I latterly discovered that a Court of Enquiry found me guilty, I think for being in front
of him!”
From Lasham, Tom went to 7 Flying Instruction School at Upavon in Wiltshire. After passing out, he went to 17
FTS at Spittlegate, teaching Dutch airmen to fly. The RAF obviously didn‟t hold him too responsible for losing
his rudder, then! Demob occurred on 3rd September 1966.
Tom‟s letter contained 10 different abbreviations for the various stops on his mad rush around Canada and the
UK, such as ACRC, ITW, PDC, TEU, GSU, etc. Too embarrassed by my ignorance, I asked Brian Waite to act
as my interpreter, and, with only a mild struggle, he came up with the goods. Thank you….
…………………………………………………..
Paul Hudson or to give him full number, rank and name is 2450637 SAC Hudson P.T. kindly sent me the
following:
“I was born in 1930, at Batley, in the West Riding of Yorkshire (Oh, bad luck! – Ed, from the Deep South.) I
was educated at Batley Grammar School, leaving, aged 17, to take up Articles, so as to train to be an Auctioneer
and Valuer.
I joined the RAF as a National Serviceman in 1951, undertaking basic training at RAF Padgate. I then moved to
RAF Kirkham, to train as an Armourer. In the summer of 1952, I was posted to 609 (WR) Squadron, at Church
Fenton. Demob came in November 1953.
[Paul wrote a 6 page article on his time with 609, for Jim Earnshaw to publish in Tally Ho, and the serialised
story ended in November 1999 issue. It is excellent, and I will use it again in another issue. I do include his
hitherto unpublished thoughts on revisiting Church Fenton for the final time, in the article on the base
somewhere below – Ed.]
After this, I couldn‟t decide what I wished to do with the rest of my life. My father insisted that it shouldn‟t be
spent in idleness, and decided that I should work for his Company, manufacturing Industrial Weighing
Equipment, until I could make up my mind. 38 years later, I did finally make up my mind! I merged the company
with a larger manufacturer and, much to their delight, I retired.
46.
Since then I have occupied my time writing novels, and, if I ever pluck up courage, I might look for someone to
publish them. That‟s always supposing that they are any good. (Which I doubt).
I married Yvonne, a P.E. teacher, in 1957, and we had a daughter, Adele. Sadly, Yvonne died of cancer in 1982.
Adele is a Chartered Surveyor, at the time of writing (er, usual problem, a wee while ago now! – Ed.,) working
for Magnet, the kitchen manufacturers. I then married Sue in 1984, who had been a Purser with Gulf Air before
we met. She (at the time of writing) was PA to the owner of an industrial design company in Harrogate. Her two
sons, Alex and Jules, respectively work with the CAA at Heathrow, and run an IT company in Newcastle.”
………………………………………..
A career synopsis came from John Butler. He served with 609 between 1953 and 1955, as an Auxiliary Aircraft
Electrician. He returned to Church Fenton for his National Service, but served with 19 Sqn as a Junior
Technician. That‟s unusual; most folk did it the other way round. He was transferred to the Station Flight, and
demobbed in 1958.
He then joined Marshall Airwork, moving in 1960 to English Electric, working with the Lightning and Canberra.
Bee Beamont would have been a test pilot with them, at around this time, I believe. After 12 years there, John
moved to British Telecom as a Technical Officer in 1972, remaining there until retirement in 1992. Secretary
Hugh Mulligan is currently helping to keep your pension fund going, John!
John also served as Magistrate from 1974 to 2004. He is now fully retired.
………………………………………….....
Memories of RAF Church Fenton
Paul Hudson wrote in 1998: “In October 1997, I was taken back to Church Fenton by my daughter Adele, who
as a Surveyor with the MoD at Catterick, had to prepare a valuation of the MT Buildings. This was the first time
that I had visited the Station since my demob in 1953. Church Fenton was just one of the establishments run by
the MoD from Catterick.
What a sad experience it turned out to be! It was a damp and foggy day, the rain falling almost like tears of regret
for the dejected appearance of the place. As we arrived at the Guardroom, the SP on duty asked my daughter if
she required someone to show her the way to the MT Section. She explained that she had me with her, and that I
had spent much of my National Service at Church Fenton. He laughed and suggested that I might know the way
better than he did. As we drove down the main road towards the MT Section, the sight of overgrown gardens and
deserted barrack blocks and offices, and the general air of neglect and decay was one of the most depressing
sights that I have seen.
Whilst my daughter got on with her work, I took a look around. I must say that there was a very large lump in my
throat. One thing saved the visit from being a complete nightmare, the fact that outside 609‟s old hangar
someone was running up the engine of a small plane. The noise of the engine and the roar of the propeller
reminded me that at least one plane was on the station, and that Church Fenton was still connected with flying,
no matter how tenuously. As we drove back home to Ripon, I kept singing the Squadron Song in my mind. It was
at home that I found that I had changed the words, without realising.
We are the 609 West Riding Squadron
The retired old Air Force are we
We no longer fly on Saturdays and Sundays
We‟re home with the grandkids for tea
When we see those Tornados from Leeming
Once more with our Meteors we go
Rolling and landing and remembering
TALLY HO!.....609….TALLY HO!
Am I mistaken, or can I still hear Harry Pratt shouting: “Two six on the hangar doors.”?
47.
Martin Briggs was once a civilian instructor with 2434 (Church Fenton) Squadron, based at the airfield. They
used to fly Bulldogs from the apron formerly used by 609, beside the crew rooms that are still visible in the 1957
photos taken at the time of the Squadron‟s disbandment. The 609 hangar was latterly used as an MT garage, until
demolished to make way for a new fire section building. The crew rooms went the same way.
English Heritage has preserved the underground control room, as well as the old pill box at the end of the
airfield, and the dispersal pens, and the machine gun post in the Married Quarters. The 12 Group Sector Ops.
Room, opposite the main gate, was flooded out, and is now derelict.
The Offices and Married Quarters were sold off some years ago. The Sergeants Mess is in a state of disrepair
[see photo – Ed.], so derelict that it is out of bounds. The Station HQ Building now used by the Yorkshire
University Air Squadron. Most of the buildings such as the Armoury and Church are no longer used, and look
somewhat miserable. RAF Church Fenton itself is now operated by RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Aircraft types are
Grob Tutor initial trainers, flown by the YUAC and Air Experience Flight. About four Tucanos from 1 FTS use
Fenton, but find the airspace a bit full of inexperienced pilots to visit too often.
Martin added that his late father worked for Dewar‟s, the whisky distillers, and tells me that Walter Midgley,
Equipment Supply Officer for 609 in the „50‟s, was the Leeds Office manager. Walt was instrumental in getting
Martin interested in 609, when he leant him his copy of “Under the White Rose.” According to Darkie Hanson,
Walt was notorious for always taking his own bottle of Dewars from work into the Church Fenton Mess. Walt
and his Malt – why should the pilots have had all the fun?
The next bit is a bit rich – apparently, when Church
Fenton was put under a Care and Maintenance order, the
Officers Mess was in danger of becoming a listed
building. Rather than incur any cost that this implied, the
MoD hastily demolished the whole building. Two
Government Departments working in perfect harmony,
eh?
Plans to turn the whole site into residential housing seem
to have been permanently rejected, as the local
infrastructure of roads, drainage etc simply couldn‟t
cope. Regrettably, I can‟t see the MoD giving up in its
attempt to flog off anything worth more than 30p.
Activities of the Belgian Branch of 609 (WR) Squadron Association
Conrad Roumieux sent a report to us in time for the 2008 AGM, and I have extracted details from it.
“We (Diane, Dirk, Wilfried and I) have been busy over the past 12 months, but sadly also with the organisation
of 2 funerals for 2 good friends and pilots. Both my uncle, George Jaspis DFC, and Cheval Lallemant DFC*,
passed away suddenly. My uncle‟s funeral was completely organised by us with the help of General Van
Caelenberghe [Chief of the Belgian Air Force – Ed.]. A wonderful man with his heart in the right place, filled
with deep respect for our veteran pilots.
We also had some wonderful moments of joy in the presence of Albert Laforce. Albert was so kind to allow us to
interview him in front of the video camera, and that resulted in a 2 hour documentary on Albert‟s life before and
during his days with the RAF, plus a view on his career in the Belgian Air Force. What a splendid gentlemen his
is, and how we would like to thank him for his cooperation.
An overview on some of our activities of the past 12 months:
48.
Berlaar Open Door. This is the main distribution centre of logistical supplies for the Belgian Armed Forces. It
is where the memorial to 609 pilot Baron van Zylen van Nyevelt is located. We represented 609 with a stand, and
around 18,000 people visited the Battalion that weekend.
We established contact with the Air Base of Kleine Brogel and got good support from the Belgian Air
component for which we thank them dearly.
September 2007‟s Flying Legends display at Duxford was visited.
We can proudly say that we have had in increase in membership.
Funerals of George Jaspis DFC / Cheval Lallemand DFC.
Recording of Albert Laforce‟s life before, during, and after the RAF.
We have frequent contact with our veteran pilots as Diane is taking care of that. Should they have need for us to
assist them in anything then they can be assured that we are there for them at any time of the day.
Expanding our network of contacts in Belgium and France (with the good help Jocelyn Leclercq)
Activities on the agenda for the next 12 months:
We‟d hoped to take our veteran pilots to Kleine Brogel this September, but their diminished numbers and
increasing frailty means that this is now unlikely.
We are also looking at sponsoring the plaque for the B7 airfield location near Caen that was used by 609 Sqn.
This plaque would be inaugurated in spring 2009, at location in Normandy, in the presence of 609 Sqn members
from Belgium, UK, France and our friends from the US (the Ezard family). A program/invitation will be
distributed will in advance and we hope to welcome many of you. [609 (WR) Sqn formally visited this Memorial
near Matragny in July 2004, and the Association informally in September 2006 – Ed.]
Setting up contact with the Air Force Base in Florennes, which carries the name of Jean Offenberg (who flew
with 609 Sqn).
Visit the War Bird air show at Duxford. Write more articles on our Belgian 609 Sqn. Articles to be
published in the „Tally Ho!‟. Build up our network of contacts to keep the memory of 609, and what our
Belgian 609 Pilots did and sacrificed for our freedom.
Keeping close contact with our veterans and be there for them should they need our assistance. A display in
Berlaar for the Open Door day may be on again for May 2009. Set up a display on good old uncle George Jaspis
DFC at Berlaar. Set up a display on Pinkie Stark.
Re-establish our contact with the village of Waremme to set up a yearly commemoration at the monument
that was erected in the memory of 609 Sqn. [609 (WR) Squadron and Association members attended the
unveiling of this Memorial to 609 in September 2004 – Ed.]
We have gathered the membership fees and transferred those onto the Treasurer in the UK. We need no funds
from the UK to run our activities in Belgium, thanks to the support we‟re getting from the Belgian Forces. We
would also like to thank my fellow members of the Belgian Committee for their work and contribution and for
a job well done in the past 12 months.
Kind regards and „Tally Ho!‟
Conrad K. Roumieux
(On behalf of the Belgian 609 Sqn Committee.)
49.
Tale Spin 3
Brian Waite and Mike Foster spent a month travelling across Europe and Asia by train, ending up in Japan
(with the aid of a boat!). Still speaking to each other to the very end, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I need
a longer article than the one that Brian has sent me so far. The flight back from Japan to Heathrow went
smoothly, despite Terminal 5. The only delay of significance was the rail journey from London to York. What a
surprise. And the world‟s truly ubiquitous bird is the magpie – they saw them all journey long!
……………………………………………
John Crick mentioned that his time with 609 at Duxford in 1942 was at a distance. He was with the 15/30/45
hour Maintenance Echelon, based at the other side of the airfield, so saw little of the pilots. He served with 609
under Paul Richey at Duxford, and Bee Beamont at Manston. He has no doubts that 609 was the best Squadron
of them all!
Following 17 years in the RAFVR, he worked with the Air Training Cadets. He was commissioned as a Pilot
Officer when he moved to Bradford ATC, eventually becoming their CO with the rank of Squadron Leader.
…………………………………………..
Pete Baines corrected me about two things. I had noted that the late Jack Farrar had been in Air Traffic Control.
No such thing; he was a Pay Clerk. Where did I get that from? Also, Douglas Bader‟s autobiography “Reach for
the Sky” had George Monks (of 609‟s ATC in later years), helping Bader into the cockpit. He didn‟t, he was
sitting on the leading edge of the wing instead. Pity I can‟t find my copy.
He finds that the Newsletters always stir up memories of his time with 609 and subsequently 3609 FCU. “Who
doesn‟t remember the Saturday nights at Wheatfield‟s, [the Squadron Leeds HQ – Ed.] usually organised by
Victor Titherington? My one regret associated with such an event was that provided (and unfortunately left
behind) some of my valued 78‟s for a Saturday night hop. Gone, never to be seen again. Still, they were good
times.
I still have a photo of the 3609 Sergeants Mess, taken in the back room at Wheatfield‟s. It includes ex-609ers like
Sam Clapham, Paddy Jameson, “Sandy” Sanderson, and me. I have one that looks as if it was taken at the same
time of what seems to be most of the Unit. This includes Pete Brown, S/Ldr Beamont, AVM Ambler, and
another “Top Brass” whom I don‟t recognise. What the event was, I don‟t remember, but it must have been
around Christmas, because the place is trimmed up, and, for some reason, we were all in uniform, complete with
medals.
Other memories that the newsletters stir up: for example, the 1971 Belgian Trip to Évere when, along with AVM
Ambler, Malcolm Slingsby and Pete Raynor, I had lunch with W/Cdr Stanford Tuck at the RAF Museum, where
he was then the Warden. [I presume that this was in transit to/from Belgium – Ed.]
I remember the launch of “Under the White Rose” by Frank Zeigler. It was at the RAF Club in Piccadilly, in July
1971. My copy has, in addition to the Author‟s signature, those of Jack Wroe, both Dave Shaw‟s, Darkie
Hanson, and other Squadron Members. It was a hot day, and we were served at the reception with endless ice
cold gin and tonics. Rarely been nearly „stoned‟ by lunch time! All in the best possible taste, of course.”
That‟s it, all done, goodbye for now
I‟ll try for a December issue, as I have some long articles all ready to go, plus I can send you renewal notices,
hooray! Most of the Standing Order forms that were sent back have never been implemented, so a good number
of you have had a free year. I‟ll let you know who you are, I promise. So sorry that you have had along wait for
this – thanks to a wet summer, I‟ve been indoors for 3 weeks typing this!
TTFN,
Ye Editor
50
609 (WEST RIDING) SQUADRON ASSOCIATION 2008
PRESIDENT Air Vice-Marshal A F C “Sandy” Hunter, CBE AFC MA LLB DL
VICE PRESIDENTS
Sir J A "Joe" Atkinson KCB DFC
Brigade General Albert Laforce C de G avec Palme
Victor Titherington (email: [email protected])
Dave R Shaw (email: [email protected])
Maurice Voase (01757 704393)
TREASURER Mrs Rosemary Darley
1-B Birchett Road
Farnborough
GU14 8RE
Email: [email protected]
 01252 545221 (fax 01252 523002)
CHAIRMAN Sq. Ldr. Brian Waite
Heather Cottage
Barningham
Nr. Richmond
North Yorkshire
DL11 7DU
 01833 621271
Email: [email protected]
SECRETARY Mr Hugh Mulligan
44 Carisbrooke Crescent
Etherley Dene
Bishop Auckland
DL14 0RW
 01388 607007
email: [email protected]
[Source of books, ties, badges etc]
NEWSLETTER David Darley [as for Treasurer, plus mobile 07802 761397] email: [email protected]
CHIEF BELGIAN CONTACT
Commander Conrad Roumieux, Vogelstraat 37, 2580 Putte, Belgium
 Office: 0032 15 75 69 27
 Mobile 0032 475 475031
Email: [email protected]
COMMITTEE Sq Ldr Brian Waite
(Chairman )
Mrs Rosemary A Darley (Treasurer)
Mr Desmond Park
(Committee Member)
Mr Al Parkes
(Committee Member)
Mr David Darley
(Newsletter)
Mr Hugh Mulligan
Sit. Vac!
Flt/Lt Mike Foster
Cpl Andy Marsh
(Secretary)
(OC 609 [WR] Squadron)
(609 Liaison)
(609 Liaison)
Official 609 Squadron website: www.609wrsquadron.co.uk Webmaster is Alan Hayman
609 Publicity:
Mark Crame: [email protected]
609 Squadron Association details
 The Association has a combined membership of some 110 people.
 The Squadron‟s Memorial Room is situated within the campus of the Yorkshire Air Museum (YAM), at Elvington, near
York, and contains:
 The Squadron Roll of Honour boards, with a list of Commanding Officers.
 The Royal Air Force and the Belgian Air Force flags.
 A photographic history of 609, from its foundation in 1936, to the present time.
 The Orde collection of wartime pilots portraits
 Replica sets of medals from past CO‟s
 Books and articles about the Squadron
 The Agazariain Sword
 The original side panel from Hawker Typhoon PR-G.
 Numerous other items of memorabilia, including the crossed Hunting Horns Trophy.
 A Visitors Book, containing unsolicited praise, thanks and deep appreciation for the debt owed to 609 (WR)
Squadron, and all other Allied aircrew who fought in WW2, from people across the globe.
609 (West Riding) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force
The Officer Commanding
609 (West Riding) Squadron
Royal Auxiliary Air Force
Royal Air Force Leeming
Northallerton
DL7 9NJ
 01677 457764 (direct line)
Fax 01677 457444
[Front cover: most of the aircraft types flown by 609 (West Riding) Squadron]
51.
Pictures from Tale Spin Correspondents, Career profiles and Church Fenton
Alison and Dez Robinson receive their framed SaBRE certificate from the
Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire in February 2008
Reg. RAF gunnery trainer catches Pete Hodgson‟s hair as Cpl
Desmond Park cuts. L-R Dave Marrable, Young Dave Shaw,
Malcolm Slingsby, John Slevin, Walt “Dewars”Midgley, bit of
Barney Barnes, Johnny Viles and Frank Reacroft
Had 3 photos of Tom Kerr to use.
Only this included Sasi Roumieux!
Yeadon dispersal circa 1950 with Spit XIX‟s wearing RAF idents.
This post war practice reverted to PR codes. Note „BAR‟ on building
to the right, complete with a homing beacon on top of it! Looks like early
an early version of parking outside the pub on a Friday night.
Seated, 2nd row, L-R. Jack Wroe, Young Dave Shaw, Malcolm Slingsby, Archie
Graham, Malcolm Hargreaves, Andrew Ogden and Peter Bailey. Celle Camp 1955
Church Fenton Parade Ground, water tower centre back
1942 camouflage plan for RAF Church Fenton, with the airfield plan revealed on the right. The coloured blobs came with the map! I think they
mark Heritage sites – the Control Tower at the top, the Dispersal Pens and the pillbox along the southern edge
52.
◄ Church Fenton on a post-war Empire Air Day. Mosquito‟s of perhaps 609 or
19 Sqn on the grass. Number 2 hangar was later built on the grass behind the
control tower that stands in its D of grass.
Grob Tutors of Yorkshire University Air Squadron outside old 609 hangar ▼
609 Meteors outside 3 Hangar in
foreground, new 609 huts being put up.
Meteors of 19 and 72 Sqns on the apron
behind. View is from Control Tower. Huts and
hangar have since been demolished. New 3
Hangar became the Fire Station
►
1 Hangar in background, 2 Hangar not
visible, site hidden by 609 hangar. Officers
Mess is amongst the trees behind 1 Hangar.
Photo taken in 1953, S/Ldr Arthur Hudson
was then the CO
Church Fenton today
Overgrown lawns and pathways, empty offices. Would this have been the MT Section?
Wrecked interior of the Sergeants Mess
All this was once lovingly restored and maintained by Air Commodore John Bell. He and ex-Church Fenton types will find all this so sad.
Bottom left is the old Officers mess outlined in blue, with sale site in red. Red
The yellow square is the old parade ground, now partially built over, and the water
cross on the apron is where the Control Tower used to be – now ringed in red, tower has a yellow square around it – compare with the earlier b/w ground photo.
mid right . Yellow square is the parade ground. New 3 Hangar nearest to Tower.
I‟ve rotated this through 45 degrees anticlockwise.